The American Red Cross will be holding a blood drive on Saturday, June 17 from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., at First Presbyterian Church, 1 West Putnam Ave.
The Red Cross encourages eligible donors to give blood this summer for hospital patients in need and offers three easy steps people can take to help save lives:
- Schedule – Use the free Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 800-733-2767 to make an appointment.
- Prepare – Get a good night’s sleep, eat a nutritious meal and drink extra fluids.
- Give – The donation process start to finish takes about an hour. The actual donation only takes about 10 minutes.
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.
In June, the Red Cross joins blood collection agencies around the world marking World Blood Donor Day by raising awareness about the need for a readily available blood supply. Donors can make an even greater impact by inviting others to join them in giving.
