Red Cross in Need of Blood and Platelet Donations: Where to Donate Blood in Arlington

ARLINGTON, MA — The American Red Cross in search of blood and platelet donations to help restock the shelves following a significant summer shortage, the organization announced Monday.

The Red Cross is down more than 10,000 donations from what is needed to replenish blood supply and to be prepared for emergencies. In light of September being National Preparedness Month, the organization is making a push for donation to help prepare for emergencies.

“September is National Preparedness Month and we urge eligible donors to make an appointment now to give blood or platelets,” Alyson Barraza, Communications Manager of the Connecticut Blood Services Region in a statement . “Whether blood is needed for a chronic condition like sickle cell disease, a routine surgery, a traumatic accident or a large-scale disaster, it’s the blood already on the shelves that helps save lives. Red Cross blood and platelet donors play an important role in helping communities be prepared for all kinds of emergencies.”

Here are some upcoming blood drives in Arlington:

• Sept. 21: 2 to 7 p.m., Arlington Town Hall
• Oct. 1: 8 a.m. - 2 p.m., First Parish Church, 630 Massachusetts Ave.
• Oct. 15: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., Mystic Valley Masonic Lodge, 19 Academy St.

If you cannot attend the drives, use this search tool to find other blood drives near you.

Blood donors must be at least 17 years old, or at least 16 years old with parental consent. They must also be healthy and feeling well and weigh at least 110 pounds. Donors must also not have donated blood in the last 56 days.

Here are some additional donation guidelines for young donors