American Red Cross Asking for Blood Donations

The American Red Cross is encouraging eligible blood donors to donate blood this spring to ensure a sufficient supply for patients at approximately 2,600 hospitals across the country.

Donated blood is perishable and must constantly be replenished to keep up with hospital patient need.

Red blood cells are the blood component most frequently transfused by hospitals and must be used within 42 days of donation.

Eligible donors can give red blood cells through either a regular whole blood donation or a double red cell donation, where available.

During a double red cell donation, two units of red blood cells are collected while most of the plasma and platelets are returned to the donor.

Double red cell donors must meet additional eligibility criteria, which will be determined at the donation appointment.

Red Cross spokesperson Kristin Stancil said that donors with all blood types are needed, especially those with type O negative.

“O negative is the universal blood type so it can be transferred to any patient in an emergency,” said Stancil.

A negative and B negative blood types are also needed, she said.

Whole blood can be donated every 56 days, up to six times a year, and double red cells may be donated every 112 days, up to three times per year.

Stancil said, however, there are some requirements for those who would like to donate blood or blood platelets.

“The requirements are you must be 17 years of age or 16 with parental consent, and you must weigh at least 110 pounds and in good shape” said Stancil.

To make an appointment to give blood, download the free Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).