As freezing temperatures and harsh weather grip much of the nation, the American Red Cross urges eligible donors to make an appointment to give blood or platelets to help meet the constant need for blood this winter.
Millions of people are expected to take to the roads, rail and air to celebrate the season, which can cause fewer donors to be available and lead to a decline in blood and platelet donations. In addition, severe winter weather and seasonal illnesses can temporarily prevent some from giving.
Donors with all blood types are needed now to help patients.
As a special thank you for taking the time to donate, those who come out to give Dec. 22 through Jan. 8 will receive a long-sleeved Red Cross T‑shirt, while supplies last.
“Many of us celebrate this time of year with loved ones, but patients may spend the holidays and ring in the new year from a hospital room,” said Alyson Barraza of the Red Cross Connecticut Blood Services Region. “Blood and platelet donors can bring joy to patients and their families by giving blood or platelets to help ensure patients receive the lifesaving treatments they need.”
Ansonia
1/7/2017: 7:45 a.m. – 1 p.m., Ansonia Senior Center, 153 Main Street
Bethany
12/28/2016: 1 p.m. – 6 p.m., Bethany Town Hall, 40 Peck Road
Derby
12/29/2016: 7:45 a.m. – 12:45 p.m., Griffin Hospital, 130 Division Street
Hamden
1/10/2017: 1 p.m. – 6 p.m., Knights of Columbus, 2630 Whitney Avenue
1/13/2017: 12:15 p.m. – 6 p.m., Whitneyville Cultural Commons, 1253 Whitney Avenue
1/6/2017: 12:15 p.m. – 6 p.m., Whitneyville Cultural Commons, 1253 Whitney Avenue
12/23/2016: 12:15 p.m. – 6 p.m., Whitneyville Cultural Commons, 1253 Whitney Avenue
12/27/2016: 1:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m., Our Lady of Mount Carmel, 2819 Whitney Avenue
12/30/2016: 12:15 p.m. – 6 p.m., Whitneyville Cultural Commons, 1253 Whitney Avenue
Milford
1/6/2017: 1 p.m. – 6 p.m., St Agnes, 400 Merwrin Ave
1/9/2017: 1 p.m. – 6:45 p.m., Elks Club, 124 New Haven Avenue
12/27/2016: 10:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., West River Rehab Center, 245 Orange Avenue
Naugatuck
12/29/2016: 1 p.m. – 6 p.m., St. Michael’s Parish, 210 Church Street
New Haven
1/13/2017: 8:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., Yale School of Medicine, 367 Cedar Street
12/27/2016: 12 p.m. – 5 p.m., Yale New Haven Hospital, 20 York Street
12/27/2016: 7 a.m. – 12 p.m., Yale New Haven Hospital, 20 York Street
12/29/2016: 10 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., New Haven Police Deparment, 1 Union Ave
Oxford
1/14/2017: 8 a.m. – 1 p.m., American Legion, 43 Oxford Road
Seymour
1/6/2017: 8 a.m. – 1 p.m., Seymour Evangelical Baptist Church, 104 Mountain Road
1/7/2017: 8 a.m. – 1 p.m., Great Hill Methodist Church, 225 Great Hill Road
Waterbury
1/3/2017: 1 p.m. – 6 p.m., Waterbury Elks # 265, 283 West Main Street
1/3/2017: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., Department of Social Services, 249 Thomaston Avenue
How to donate blood
Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1 – 800-RED CROSS (1 – 800-733‑2767) 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 donors can now 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, prior to arriving at the blood drive.
To get started and learn more, visit redcrossblood.org/RapidPass and follow the instructions on the site.
