Call issued by American Red Cross for blood donations in summer season

ALBANY — The American Red Cross is counting on volunteer donors to give blood and help ensure patient needs can be met this summer, a season in which school closings and vacations have an impact on blood supply.

Around Memorial Day, Red Cross officials said they see a steep decline in blood donations — but accidents and medical emergencies don’t take a summer break, and patients need blood every minute of every day.

In the summer of 1973, Ramona Johnson was playing at the park when she was injured jumping off the swings, suffering a 7-inch gash in her leg. By the time she reached the hospital, she needed an emergency transfusion.

Johnson credits the donors who took the time to give blood with helping to save her life. Her childhood experience receiving blood compelled her to make her first blood donation more than 10 years ago.

“A little voice told me that this would be a great way to give back,” she said. “I have been faithfully donating every eight weeks since.”

Upcoming opportunities to give include:

— Today, 2-7 p.m., Furlow Charter School, 63 Valley Drive, Americus

— Friday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Albany Mall, 2601 Dawson Road, Albany

— Friday, 7:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Dougherty County Government Building, 222 Pine Ave., Albany

— Tuesday, 1-6 p.m., Prince Chevrolet, 1360 Highway 82 West, Tifton

— Wednesday, 7 a.m.-noon, Phoebe Sumter Medical Center, 126 Highway 280 West, Americus,

— May 31, noon-5 p.m., Porterfield Memorial United Methodist Church, 2200 Dawson Road, Albany

— May 31, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Family Connection, 40 Cemetery Road, Preston

— June 1, 2018, 2-6 p.m., Bell Plantation, 7902 Magnolia Industrial Blvd., Tifton

— June 1, 2-7 p.m., Albany Mall

— June 2, 8 a.m.-1 p.m., Baker County Primary Health Care, 100 Sunset Blvd., Newton

— June 5, 1:30-6:30 p.m., First United Methodist Church, 44 Merritt Street, Hawkinsville

— June 6, 1-6 p.m., Bethel Baptist Church, 2245 Bethel Road, Sycamore

— June 6, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Albany State University West Campus, 2400 Gillionville Road, Albany

Those who donate between Friday and Tuesday will get a Red Cross T-shirt, while supplies last. Those donating through June 10 can receive $5 Amazon.com gift cards. Starting Monday, donors can enter to win a grand prize package of a trip for four to Cedar Point or Knott’s Berry Farm that includes travel and two-night accommodations at a participating hotel and two days worth of family four-pack admission tickets.

The public is asked to schedule an appointment to help ensure that hospitals and patients have the blood they need this summer. Make an appointment to donate blood by downloading the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting www.redcrossblood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card, driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most 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.

Blood and platelet donors can save time at their next donation by using RapidPass to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online on the day of their donation before arriving at the blood drive. To get started, follow the instructions at www.redcrossblood.org/rapidpass or use the Blood Donor App.

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, visit www.redcross.org, www.cruzrojaamericana.org or Twitter @RedCross.