Donate Blood To The American Red Cross and Be Entered to Win a Tetris Themed Visit to New York!
Photo by Nguyễn Hiệp on Unsplash
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The American Red Cross is facing a critical shortage of blood and platelet donations, following a significant decline in donor turnout over the past month. The organization has reported that approximately 20,000 fewer blood donations were collected than needed to sustain the national blood supply.
Severe weather and unprecedented travel in May contributed to the drop in donations. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) recorded five of the busiest travel days ever this past month, with expectations of continued high travel volumes throughout the season. This increase in travel has likely impacted the availability of regular donors.
With the approach of the “100 deadliest days” of summer, as designated by the American Automobile Association (AAA) due to the rise in auto accidents, the need for a robust blood supply is more pressing than ever. Hospitals rely on blood products to treat trauma and accident victims, often requiring hundreds of units in severe cases.
To address the urgent need, the Red Cross has partnered with Tetris, the iconic video game, to encourage donations. In celebration of Tetris’s 40th anniversary, those who donate before June 9, 2024, will receive a limited-edition Tetris + Red Cross T-shirt, while supplies last. Donors will also be entered into a drawing for a trip for two to New York to meet Tetris creator Alexey Pajitnov. More details can be found at RedCrossBlood.org/Tetris.
To donate blood, individuals can make an appointment by visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS, or using the Red Cross Blood Donor App. Blood types of all kinds are needed to maintain a reliable supply for patients in need. Donors must bring a blood donor card, driver’s license, or two other forms of identification. Eligibility criteria include being 17 years of age (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weighing at least 110 pounds, and being in good health. High school students and donors under 18 must meet additional height and weight requirements.
To expedite the donation process, donors can use RapidPass to complete pre-donation reading and health history questionnaires online on the day of their donation. Instructions for RapidPass can be found at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or via the Blood Donor App.
The Red Cross urges eligible donors to come forward and contribute to saving lives during this critical time.
SOURCE: Chattanooga Pulse
