Dive in: Red Cross partnering with Discovery for Shark Week

By: 
Press Staff Writer

        The American Red Cross and Discovery are partnering for Shark Week and invite people to dive in to help save lives by giving blood or platelets in July.
        The Red Cross saw a steep drop in blood and platelet donations last month, and donors are asked to make appointments now to prevent a blood shortage this summer.
        In June, the Red Cross collected approximately 12% fewer blood donations than needed – one of the largest monthly blood donation shortfalls in recent years. Here in the Northern Ohio Region, nearly 2,000 fewer donations were made than expected. When fewer people answer the call to donate, the blood supply shrinks – and that could mean blood products aren’t ready for hospital staff to reach for in emergencies.
        Thanks to Discovery, those who come to give blood or platelets in July will automatically be entered for a chance to win a Shark Week merchandise package that includes:
        • A beach bike.
        • A smokeless portable fire pit.
        • A paddleboard.
        • A kayak.
        • A $500 gift card to put toward accessories.
        Those who come to give July 21-24 will get an exclusive Shark Week T-shirt from Discovery, while supplies last.
Details are available at rcblood.org/sharkweek.
        Local blood donation opportunities include:
        • American Red Cross Blood Donation Center, Toledo Blood Donation Center, 3510 Executive Parkway, Sundays, Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, 7 a.m.-3 p.m.; Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m.
        • Oregon – July 26, 12:30-5:30 p.m., Hope Community Church, 5650 Starr Ave.
        • Elmore – July 18, 12-6 p.m., Grace Lutheran Church, 19225 W. Witty.
        • Fremont – July 16, 8 a.m.-1 p.m., St. John Lutheran Church, 212 N. Clover St.; July 27, 1-6 p.m., St. Ann Catholic Church, 1021 West State St.; July 28, 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., Terra State Community College, 2830 Napoleon Rd.
        • Lindsey – July 25, 12:30-6:30 p.m., Ole Zim’s Wagon Shed, 1375 S. SR 590.
        • Northwood – July 23, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Gracepointe Church, 4035 Williston Rd.
        • Pemberville – July 20, 12-6 p.m., Pemberville American Legion, 405 East Front St.
        • Perrysburg – July 7, 1-7 p.m., Saint John XXIII Catholic Community, 24250 Dixie Highway; July 19, 12-6 p.m., Lutheran Church of the Master, 28744 Simmons Rd.
        How to donate blood
        Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enable the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device to make an appointment or for more information.
        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.
        Amplify your impact
        Another way to support the lifesaving mission of the Red Cross is to become a volunteer blood donor ambassador
at Red Cross blood drives. Blood donor ambassadors help greet, check-in and thank blood donors to ensure they have a positive donation experience.
        Volunteers can also serve as transportation specialists, playing a vital role in ensuring lifesaving blood products are delivered to nearby hospitals. For more information and to apply for a either position, visit https://www.redcross.org/volunteertoday.
 
 
 

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