This fall, active-duty service member and veteran groups are on a mission with the American Red Cross to help hospital patients in need through the Heroes Saving Lives program.
Heroes Saving Lives is a partnership to raise awareness about the constant need for blood and encourages eligible donors in the community to join military members in the spirit of service and perform their own heroic act ─ rolling up a sleeve to ensure blood is on the shelves before it is needed.
Every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood and the Red Cross must collect more than 13,000 blood donations every day for patients at thousands of hospitals across the country, including Veterans Affairs medical centers. By joining forces with participating groups in the Heroes Saving Lives program, eligible donors can make a difference in the lives of accident and burn victims, heart surgery and organ transplant patients, and those receiving treatment for leukemia, cancer or sickle cell disease.
Heroes Saving Lives blood drives occurring from October 1 through November 30, 2018, will receive recognition through the Heroes Saving Lives Honor Roll. To host a participating blood drive or to view the national honor roll, visit RedCrossBlood.org/HeroesSavingLives. To make an appointment to give blood at a Heroes Saving Lives blood drive, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
HOW TO DONATE BLOOD All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), 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 RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Blood Donor App.
About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.
Find a drive and schedule a blood donation appointment today.
Find a drive and schedule a blood donation appointment today.
Support all the urgent humanitarian needs of the American Red Cross.
Find a drive and schedule a blood donation appointment today.
Take a class and be ready to respond if an emergency strikes.
