Red Cross Celebrates Donor Day, Urges Donors to Give Blood

The American Red Cross has partnered with Nexcare Bandages and supermodel Niki Taylor to celebrate World Blood Donor Day on June 14. This is with the seventh annual Nexcare “Give” program. All eligible donors are urged to donate blood or platelets to help maintain the summer blood supply and prevent a shortage, according to a news release.

The “Give” program was created to raise awareness about the need for blood and platelets, especially during the summer months, and to inspire people to donate all year long. Nexcare has developed limited-edition bandages for this year’s theme, “Creating a Culture of Giving.” The limited-edition bandages will be available to donors now through World Blood Donor Day on June 14.

Red Cross spokesperson and mother of four Niki Taylor almost lost her life in 2001 after a serious car accident. During her recovery, Taylor received approximately 100 units of blood and credits her survival to the donors and doctors who helped save her life, the Red Cross said in a statement.

Facts about blood needs:

• Every two seconds someone in the U.S. needs blood.
• More than 41,000 blood donations are needed every day.
• A total of 30 million blood components are transfused each year in the U.S.
• The average red blood cell transfusion is approximately 3 pints.
• The blood type most often requested by hospitals is Type O.
• The blood used in an emergency is already on the shelves before the event occurs.
• Sickle cell disease affects more than 70,000 people in the U.S. About 1,000 babies are born with the disease each year. Sickle cell patients can require frequent blood transfusions throughout their lives.
• More than 1.6 million people were diagnosed with cancer last year. Many of them will need blood, sometimes daily, during their chemotherapy treatment.
• A single car accident victim can require as many as 100 pints of blood.

All blood types are currently needed, but especially those with types O negative, A negative and B negative. For more information or to make an appointment to donate blood or platelets, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

To find a blood drive in your area, please click here.

How to donate blood

Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental consent in some states), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

About the American Red Cross

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.