Red Cross Month: When is Newton's Next Blood Drive?

NEWTON, MA—March is Red Cross Month, and blood drives have been set up across the commonwealth in celebration of the event.

Red Cross Month was declared in 1943 by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in order to raise awareness of the American Red Cross, which has been around for more than 130 years.

"I request that during that month (March) our people rededicate themselves to the splendid aims and activities of the Red Cross," President Roosevelt said during his proclamation, according to redcross.org.

According to a report by Rasmussen University, donating blood can help uncover potential health problems, reduce harmful iron stores in blood, reduce the risk of heart attacks and cancer, as well as give you a sense of significance.

The next Red Cross blood drive in Newton is on Mar. 23 at the Newton Free Library located at 330 Homer St. The drive will be open from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m.

If you cannot attend the drive, 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.

Photo via Red Cross' website.