Be cool: Donate blood

April is National Volunteer Month, and the American Red Cross is celebrating the millions of people who give blood, platelets and plasma throughout the year. This month, the Red Cross and Peanuts have joined forces as a reminder that it’s cool to be kind and help save lives.
Donors of all blood types, especially type O blood donors and those giving platelets – are needed now to keep the blood supply strong enough to support critical patient care all season long.
Donors are encouraged to take a page from the Peanuts comic strips that have charmed generations and take care of one another by making a blood or platelet donation. Book a time to give by visiting RedCrossBlood.org, downloading the Red Cross Blood Donor App, or calling 1-800-RED CROSS.
As a thank-you, all who come to give through April 23 will receive an exclusive Red Cross and Peanuts T-shirt featuring Snoopy as the coolest beagle in town, Joe Cool, while supplies last. Those who come to give through April 30 will be automatically entered for a chance to win a three-night trip for two to Sonoma County, California. The getaway includes flights, hotel, a $1,000 gift card and special tours of the Charles M. Schulz Museum and Snoopy’s Home Ice, courtesy of Peanuts Worldwide.
To donate blood, download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
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.