The American Red Cross urges eligible donors to give blood this summer for hospital patients in need. Only about 3 percent of the U.S. population gives blood, which means a heavy reliance on repeat donors to maintain a sufficient blood supply. New blood donors are especially needed during the summer months because many schools where blood drives are held—and where new donors give—are not in session, and current donors often delay giving due to summer vacations.

Type O negative blood and type AB plasma are two of the most in-demand blood products by hospitals. Those who give can help patients locally or across the country as the Red Cross has the ability to move blood products where and when they are needed most.

The Blood Mobile will be making stops this month at: Homewood Suites by Hilton, 2001 E. Highland Ave., from 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m. on July 3; the Saguaro Branch Library, 2808 N. 46th St., from 2-6:30 p.m. on July 6; and MidFirst Bank, 3030 E. Camelback Road, from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. on July 7.

Eligible donors can learn more, find a donation opportunity and schedule an appointment by using the free Blood Donor App, visiting www.redcrossblood.org or calling 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767). A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in.

Blood donors can save time at their donation appointment by using RapidPass to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, prior to arriving at the blood drive. To get started and learn more, visit redcrossblood.org/RapidPass and follow the instructions on the site.

Author

Hello, North Central neighbor — thank you for visiting!

Sign up to receive our digital issue in your inbox each month.

We don’t spam! Read our privacy policy for more info.