Red Cross sees about a 21% decline in blood and platelet donations during holiday weeks
Portland, Ore (June 22, 2022) — As summer officially begins and people gather for holiday celebrations, the American Red Cross reminds communities that patients are counting now on the generosity of blood and platelet donors, especially around the Fourth of July.
The Red Cross sees about a 21% decline in blood and platelet donations during holiday weeks, including Independence Day. When blood donations drop, so does the blood supply, making it extremely challenging to ensure blood is available when hospitals and patients, like 4-year-old Olivia Enders of West Linn, need it.
Olivia was diagnosed with Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL) in August 2021. She has received 20 blood transfusions as part of her treatment.
“We often think of transfusions for emergencies but forget about the need for blood transfusion for people and children battling long term diseases and cancers. Every transfusion gives Olivia another chance at life and continued success at battling her cancer and being a kid again,” says Olivia’s mother, Sarah Enders.
By scheduling and keeping appointments in July, donors can help provide for those in immediate need of lifesaving care. To schedule an appointment to donate, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
As a thank-you for helping, all those who come to give June 30-July 10 will receive an exclusive Red Cross recycled cotton tote bag, while supplies last.
A few upcoming blood donation opportunities July 1-15:
July 1
- Portland Blood Donation Center, 3131 N. Vancouver Ave., Portland, OR, 7:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
- The Grove, 3955 Outward Rd. SE, Salem, OR, 1:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
July 5
- Portland Playhouse, 602 NE Prescott St., Portland, OR, 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
- Vancouver Mall Macy’s, 8700 NE Vancouver Mall Dr, Vancouver, WA, 12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
- Medford Blood Donation Center, 1174 Progress Dr, Suite 102, Medford, OR, 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
July 6
- Topgolf, 5505 NE Huffman St., Hillsboro, OR, 12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
- Salem Blood Donation Center, 1860 Hawthorne Ave. NE, Salem, OR, 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
July 8
- The Grotto, 8840 NE Skidmore St., Portland, OR, 10:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
- Vancouver Blood Donation Center, 5109 NE 82nd Ave., Vancouver, WA, 7:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
July 12
- Springfield Elks, 1701 Centennial Blvd., Springfield, OR, 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Visit RedCrossBlood.org and enter your zip code to find additional blood donation opportunities near you.
Click here for b-roll of people giving blood. Additional images of Olivia and her mom, Sarah, are attached.
Health insights for donors
At a time when health information has never been more important, the Red Cross is screening all blood, platelet and plasma donations from self-identified African American donors for the sickle cell trait. This additional screening will provide Black donors with an additional health insight and help the Red Cross identify compatible blood types more quickly to help patients with sickle cell disease. Blood transfusion is an essential treatment for those with sickle cell disease, and blood donations from individuals of the same race, ethnicity and blood type have a unique ability to help patients fighting sickle cell disease.
Donors can expect to receive sickle cell trait screening results, if applicable, within one to two weeks through the Red Cross Blood Donor App and the online donor portal at RedCrossBlood.org.
Blood drive safety
The Red Cross follows a high standard of safety and infection control. The Red Cross will continue to socially distance wherever possible at blood drives, donation centers and facilities. While donors are no longer required to wear a face mask, individuals may choose to continue to wear a mask for any reason. The Red Cross will also adhere to more stringent face mask requirements per state and/or local guidance, or at the request of blood drive sponsors. Donors are asked to schedule an appointment prior to arriving at a drive.
*Oregon and Washington still require face masks be worn at all blood drives and donation sites.
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.
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 visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.
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17th annual Dr. Charles Drew Blood Drive highlights need for diverse blood supply
(PORTLAND, OR) June 14, 2022 — The American Red Cross announces the 17th annual Dr. Charles Drew Blood Drive, highlighting the need for a diverse blood supply, Saturday, June 18, from 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Red Cross Portland Blood Donation Center, 3131 N. Vancouver Ave.
Blood & Diversity
Maintaining a diverse blood supply is a priority to the American Red Cross because of its importance to patients. Diverse blood donors may have the unique ability to help patients with different illnesses or inherited diseases – for example, those with sickle cell anemia.
Diversity among blood donors is critical because red blood cells carry markers that determine blood type, and certain blood types are unique to specific racial and ethnic groups. In addition, sickle cell disease affects as many as 100,000 people in the U.S. More than 90% of those individuals are of African descent.
Sickle cell disease is a lifelong inherited blood disorder that can cause anemia, tissue and organ damage, strokes, and terrible pain. Sickle cell patients often receive blood transfusions on an ongoing basis to help prevent and treat symptoms. A sickle cell patient in need is more likely to find a compatible blood match from a donor of the same race or ethnic group.
About Dr. Charles Drew
Drew, known as the “father of the blood bank,” was an African American surgeon, educator and scientist who helped shape the blood services industry. In the 1940s, he laid the groundwork for today’s modern blood donation program through his innovative work in blood banking. The Red Cross blood program started in 1940, under the leadership of Drew, who became the first medical director for the Red Cross in 1941.
The Dr. Charles Drew Blood Drive occurs at a time when the Red Cross urges donors – especially those who have never given blood before –to make an appointment to give. The Red Cross needs donors of all blood types to help ensure a sufficient supply for patients.
Many sponsoring community groups make this event possible through their partnerships, promotion and recruitment efforts. The Dr. Charles Drew Blood drive is sponsored by
Donation appointments can be easily scheduled by using the free Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 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.
*Oregon and Washington still require face masks be worn at all blood donation sites and drives.
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 visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.
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Blood donors needed ahead of summer break, when donations typically decline
(Portland, OR) June 7, 2022 — Each year on June 14, the American Red Cross joins blood collection organizations around the world to celebrate World Blood Donor Day, which recognizes the importance of a safe and stable blood supply and the donors who make it possible. Nearly 2.5 million people volunteer to give lifesaving blood and platelets every year with the Red Cross. Eligible donors are encouraged to be part of something big by making an appointment to give blood or platelets this month.
Blood donations decline in late spring and early summer – especially during holiday weeks, like Memorial Day and Independence Day – but the need for blood and platelet transfusions doesn’t take a summer break. Generous blood and platelet donors are critically important in ensuring lifesaving care is available the moment patients need it. To schedule an appointment to donate, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit https://rdcrss.org/findappt1 or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
As a thank-you for helping, in honor of the new Baz Luhrmann film, Elvis, all who come to give in the month of June will be automatically entered for a chance to win a VIP trip to Graceland for two, including round-trip airfare to Memphis, plus a three-night stay at The Guest House and Elvis Entourage VIP tour, courtesy of Graceland, a custom-wrapped Gibson Epiphone guitar and more. Additionally, those who come to donate June 1-30 will also receive a $5 e-gift card to a merchant of choice.*
A few upcoming blood donation opportunities June 14-30:
June 14
- Riversgate Church, 7634 SW Capitol Hwy, Portland, OR, 12pm-5pm
- Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Vancouver Stake Center, 10509 SE 5th St., Vancouver, WA, 1pm-7pm
- Venue 252, 252 Lawrence Street, Eugene, OR, 11am-4pm
- Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Medford Stake, 2900 Juanipero Way Medford, OR, 1pm-6pm
June 17
- Hollywood Library, 4040 NE Tillamook St, Portland, OR, 12pm-5pm
- Chick-fil-a, 16320 SE Mill Plain Blvd, Vancouver, WA, 10am-4pm
June 21
- Fight the Bite, Give Blood, 4252 SE International Way, Ste J, Milwaukie, OR, 7:30am-1pm
Find a drive or donation site near you by visiting https://rdcrss.org/findappt1 and putting in your zip code.
Find blood donation b-roll here: https://vimeopro.com/americanredcross/biomed-b-roll/video/658677305
Health insights for donors
At a time when health information has never been more important, the Red Cross is screening all blood, platelet and plasma donations from self-identified African American donors for the sickle cell trait. This additional screening will provide Black donors with an additional health insight and help the Red Cross identify compatible blood types more quickly to help patients with sickle cell disease. Blood transfusion is an essential treatment for those with sickle cell disease, and blood donations from individuals of the same race, ethnicity and blood type have a unique ability to help patients fighting sickle cell disease.
Donors can expect to receive sickle cell trait screening results, if applicable, within one to two weeks through the Red Cross Blood Donor App and the online donor portal at RedCrossBlood.org.
Blood drive safety
The Red Cross follows a high standard of safety and infection control. The Red Cross will continue to socially distance wherever possible at blood drives, donation centers and facilities. While donors are no longer required to wear a face mask, individuals may choose to continue to wear a mask for any reason. The Red Cross will also adhere to more stringent face mask requirements per state and/or local guidance, or at the request of blood drive sponsors. Donors are asked to schedule an appointment prior to arriving at a drive.
How to donate blood
Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit https://rdcrss.org/findappt1, 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.
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 visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.
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*Terms apply. Visit rcblood.org/elvismovie