Preparing for the unimaginable

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Things to consider during National Preparedness Month

By Doug Bardwell, American Red Cross volunteer

As disasters become more frequent and more costly, the American Red Cross is
answering the calls of those in need, both here in Northern Ohio and around the world.
Just last week, here in Northern Ohio, the Red Cross assisted 62 families affected by the severe storms, providing more than $42,500 in financial aid.

Meanwhile, across the rest of the country, more than 1,000 Red Crossers answered the
call after historic wildfires, rainfall, and flooding ravaged people’s homes from the East
Coast to Hawaii in 21 separate major relief efforts. Again, the Northern Ohio region of
the Red Cross stepped up – providing 10 responders willing to travel great distances in
service of the Red Cross mission – to alleviate human suffering.

August 30, 2023. Perry, Florida. Red Cross disaster responder, Dariana Molina, assesses damage caused by Hurricane Idalia in Perry, Florida. Photo by Scott Dalton/American Red Cross

As unimaginable as these events have been, the reality is that as a humanitarian
organization, we are responding to nearly twice as many major disasters today as we
did 10 years ago. In the first half of 2023, there have been a record 15 disasters costly
in excess of a billion dollars each. As the disasters increase in size, and as more people
are displaced, the financial burden goes up correspondingly.

Having responded to numerous national disasters myself, I have been both broken-
hearted and proud at the same moment, as many disaster victims explain that our Red
Cross teams have provided the only assistance they’ve received immediately after the
disaster.

Four things you can do this September for National Preparedness Month
1) Prepare your family by preparing an emergency kit, ready to go at a moment’s
notice. Have a family plan on how and where everyone will meet up in case of a
disaster. Stay informed about potential disasters in your area, and learn what
your local government will do, should you need to evacuate. Visit
redcross.org/prepare for more information or download the free Red Cross
Emergency app, which also provides real-time weather alerts, open Red Cross
disaster shelter locations and more.
2) Donate blood. With each major storm, numerous blood drives are canceled,
reducing the supply of blood nationwide, and endangering others who rely on
blood for their medical conditions. Find a donation site near you at
redcross.org/blood.
3) Consider becoming a volunteer to help either locally or nationally. There are
jobs for all types of talents and ages, and training is comprehensive and free. Whether you can donate an hour a day or a couple of hours a month, chances
are there is a position for you with your local Red Cross office. Learn more about
positions available in your area at nohredcross.org/volunteer/
4) Cash Donation If time or family commitments prevent you from volunteering,
please consider a cash donation. Through fiscal year 2027, the Red Cross needs
to spend more than $1 billion on its climate crisis work, encompassing disaster
relief, international services and sustainability programs. Every donation helps
those who need it most, and no amount is too small. Go to redcross.org/donate.

Edited by Glenda Bogar, Red Cross volunteer

Posted by Ryan Lang, Red Cross Board Member and volunteer

American Red Cross Blood Collectors – a vital link in patient care

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Happy Labor Day! This year, the Labor Day holiday coincides with National Blood Collectors Week which is September 3-9. While it may be a coincidence, it is absolutely fitting because this week is a time to celebrate the contributions of blood collection workers in supporting hospital care. Without the more than 5,500 American Red Cross blood and platelet collections team members who work at blood drives and donation centers across the country, lifesaving blood would not be available for patients in need. Each year, Red Cross staff collect blood and platelet donations from nearly 2.5 million volunteer donors.

Here in Northern Ohio, we are fortunate to have wonderful collections staff across the 31 counties we serve. One of those amazing staff members is Danita Craig. Danita has been with the Red Cross for 9 ½ years. Her career has spanned many roles within the organization, from Collections Tech to Charge Staff and now a Team Supervisor in Cleveland.

As a Team Supervisor, Danita is focused on building a strong team, coaching and mentoring new employees and providing great customer service to staff, volunteers, recruitment representatives and blood program leaders. In her role, Danita says she can lead by example, showing her staff how much she loves her job and how exciting it is to help save lives with every pint collected. For Danita, the lifesaving blood she and her team help collect has a special meaning. “I have a relative who has sickle cell disease and receives blood products yearly, sometimes monthly, so this job impacts my life on a personal level,” said Danita. “I love knowing that where I work help saves many lives and helps my family member. I hold the mission close to my heart.”

In addition to her work in Biomedical Services, Danita had the opportunity to go to Florida and help with recovery efforts in the wake of Hurricane Ian. “It was an honor to see people from all over the world come together to help others,” she said. Danita has always had a passion for taking care of people and as a Red Cross employee she has plenty of opportunities to do so. When she’s not working, she enjoys traveling with her family and line dancing with friends.

The Red Cross in Northern Ohio is thankful for Danita and all the collections staff who work so hard to help patients in need. If you’ve never donated blood or it’s been a while, there’s no better way to celebrate Blood Collectors Week than making an appointment to give. And right now, donations are especially needed as Hurricane Idalia caused more than 700 blood and platelet donations to go uncollected in the Southeast last week. Your donation not only helps local patients but allows the Red Cross to help whenever and wherever disaster strikes. Find a blood drive near you at redcrossblood.org.

Tips to stay safe this Labor Day weekend

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By Samatha Pudelski, American Red Cross volunteer

Labor Day weekend is here and in Northern Ohio, there is no shortage of activities
to celebrate with friends and family. Whether you are headed to Lake Erie, our local
parks or taking a road trip, the American Red Cross of Northern Ohio wants you to
have a safe, fun holiday weekend. Keep in mind the following tips when you’re out
and about:

Hitting the Road:

Whether you are headed out across town or on a road trip, these simple tips will
help keep you safe.

  1. Don’t drink and drive. Make sure to have a designated driver, use public
    transportation or a ride share service to get around safely.
  2. If you are driving, make sure to get adequate rest to remain alert. Make sure
    to give your full attention to the road and avoid using cell phones while
    driving.
  3. Follow the rules of the road. Use your seat belts, observe speed limits and be
    cautious when driving in inclement weather.
  4. Use caution in work zones.
  5. Keep a safe distance from other vehicles.

Water Activities

If you are planning to hit the beach, spend some time on the lake or river or going to
a water park, here are a few safety tips to maximize your fun in the sun.

  1. If you plan to swim, swim in areas where lifeguards are on duty. Make sure to
    follow all of their instructions.
  2. If you are swimming in an ocean, lake or river, remember that swimming in
    these environments is different than a pool, and require a higher level of
    swimming skill.
  3. Protect your skin in the sun. Make sure to use SPF 30 sunscreen and reply
    every two hours or after swimming. Consider wearing protective clothing
    and a hat.
  4. Adults should keep an eye on kids they are with. If they are less than four feet
    tall or cannot swim, make sure they wear a U.S. Coast Guard approved life
    jacket.
  5. If you are caught in a rip current, try not to panic. Signal to those on shore
    that you need assistance. Swim parallel to the short until you are out of the
    current – do not try to swim against the current. Once you are free, swim
    towards the shore.

Spending Time in the Great Outdoors

  1. Be aware of the level of ability of those in your group when hiking or doing
    other activities. Sprains and falls are some of the most common injuries
    hikers may face.
  2. Make sure to stay well hydrated – plan ahead and bring extra water to drink
    throughout the day.
  3. If you are going to an area where there may not be a good cell signal, share
    your travel plans with a family member or friend.
  4. Pack a first aid kit, insect repellent, sunscreen and any personal medications
    needed.
  5. Take a Red Cross First Aid/CPR course so you are prepared if someone needs
    help.

Finally, did you know that the Red Cross has several free apps to help you and your
loved ones safe? Check out the Red Cross Emergency App, the Red Cross Swim app
and the Red Cross First Aid app to get the vital information you need. Search for the
American Red Cross in your app store or visit redcross.org/apps.

Posted by Ryan Lang, American Red Cross board member and volunteer

Pet CPR? Yeah, there’s an app for that!

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By Ryan Lang, American Red Cross board member and volunteer

As a lifelong pet owner and pet lover, I hope I’m never in a situation where I’d need to perform CPR on my dog. And while I hope it never comes to that, I can find comfort in the fact that if it does, the American Red Cross has a free app that can show me exactly what I need to do.

Amos and Dublin

From recognizing warning signs to the ABCs of pet CPR (airway, breathing, circulation), the Pet First Aid app has you covered. With lifesaving instructions on allergic reactions, bleeding, car accidents, poisoning and more, the app helps you prepare for virtually every scenario you can imagine. It also gives guidance on how to include your pet in your emergency preparedness plans. And after you’ve brushed up on your emergency pet response, put your knowledge to the test with a quiz.

In addition to emergency response information, the Red Cross provides wellness tips for your pet. It offers information on what supplies to have in your home and on hand for your cat or dog. You can upload not only your vet’s information, but also your pet’s information for easy access in case of an emergency.

So in the spirit of National Dog Day that just passed and National Cat Day that’s coming up in October, take a moment and download the free Pet First Aid app. You can find it by going to redcross.org/apps or by searching for ‘American Red Cross’ in app stores. Who knows, you could save your furry friend’s life!

Edited by Glenda Bogar, American Red Cross volunteer

Posted by Ryan Lang, American Red Cross board member and volunteer

An apprehensive volunteer turned regular blood donor: How Ashley Hopkins discovered just how special her blood is

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By Ryan Lang, American Red Cross board member and volunteer

More than 20 years ago, if you’d asked Ashley Hopkins about donating blood, you may have gotten a cringe coupled with a shake of the head. While she’d grown up around blood donors and blood drives (her father was a firefighter, now fire captain), donating herself was never really an option.

Ashley Hopkins, American Red Cross board member, volunteer and blood donor

“Back then I had a crazy fear of not even needles, but needles taking blood out — it just freaked me out so I never did it,” Ashley said. 

So how did someone with a healthy fear of the blood donation process wind up a volunteer for the American Red Cross Blood Services and a regular donor? 

“I went to volunteermatch.org and put in my zip code, and (blood services) came up as a flexible option with weekend availability.” So despite Ashley’s apprehensions, it was a perfect match, and as she’d soon find out, even more perfect than she’d initially thought. 

Ashley started out working weekend blood drives. “I did a background check and then shadowed someone for a couple of blood drives and then I was on my own,” she said, noting that back in 2012 things were “a little bit different.” 

At one of those blood drives at the Canfield fair (Ashley’s favorite blood drive), she was working a few days in a row with one specific blood rep who asked her why she’d never donated before.

“I don’t know, it just seemed kinda scary,” Ashley replied. But that same day she decided to roll up her sleeve and donate — on the bus at the fair, which Ashley highly recommends. “It is heaven,” she advocated. 

When you donate blood, the Red Cross tests your blood. And that’s when Ashley found out how special hers was. “I did not know that they were testing for a specific allele (genetic information present in your DNA) in your blood that is an antibody.” After donating Ashley got an email saying that her blood was CMV negative, which is quite rare. 

Red Cross board member and volunteer Lou Joseph with Ashley Hopkins

From RedCross.org: CMV is generally harmless to adults but can be fatal to babies. For this reason, babies needing transfusions as part of their medical care should only receive blood from donors who have not been exposed to CMV (CMV negative).

And being O-Positive, Ashley’s blood is even more special, as she’s compatible with roughly 80 percent of people who need blood! Even more of a reason for her to donate regularly — every 56 days, if she can. 

When asked what she’d say to someone who is apprehensive about donating for the first time, especially someone who is nervous or scared, Ashley simply said, “Volunteer at a blood drive!” She said seeing it happen and helping with the process helped her overcome her fear of not just needles, but the whole process.

To find a blood drive near you, CLICK HERE. To learn about volunteer opportunities with the Red Cross, CLICK HERE.

Edited by Glenda Bogar, American Red Cross volunteer

Club Red donates time, talent and treasure

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By Eilene E. Guy, American Red Cross volunteer

Never underestimate the power of volunteers. The American Red Cross certainly doesn’t: Harnessing the willingness of volunteers and the generosity of supporters is what we’re all about.

Carol Schemmer

In Ottawa County, Club Red is a million-dollar example of that willingness and generosity. Club Red members focus on four “pillars” of service to the Red Cross: fundraising, support of the military, blood drives and education.

Carol Schemmer serves as the group’s commander, the same rank she held as a U.S. Navy nurse – although she hastens to say she doesn’t “command,” she just coordinates.

With a core of a couple of dozen women, she can call on as many as 60 “ad hoc” participants for specific events: staging fundraisers, packing “boxes from home” for service men and women at Christmas, manning blood drives, teaching citizen CPR and making homes safer with free smoke alarms.

“The Red Cross addresses so many needs,” Carol said. “For us, it comes down to ‘If we don’t do it, who will? If I don’t step up, who will?’”

Club Red began in Ottawa County when one woman, Cindy Amerine, was inspired to raise funds for the Red Cross in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. Her “Sherry and Chocolates” event evolved over the years, featuring home tours, galas and, more recently, a day-long golf and social event that raised more than $50,000!

That put the group’s tally “well north of a million dollars” since its first fundraiser in 2006, said Rachel Hepner, executive director of the Western Lake Erie Chapter of the Red Cross.

Club Red volunteers staff a registration table at a recent golf outing

“I can’t tell you how fortunate we are to have the support of these wonderful women, who give so generously of their time to these important activities,” Rachel said. “But it’s not just their time and their talents: It’s the influence they have on their community on behalf of the Red Cross.”

Carol said it’s easy to muster support. “People here know the Red Cross. We’re just a conduit for the generosity of the community that supports us.

“We’re connecting the community with the cause.”

If you’d like to get involved with Club Red of Ottawa County, Rachel Hepner at Rachel.hepner@redcross.org can put you in touch with this dynamic group. For volunteer opportunities with the Red Cross elsewhere, go to redcross.org/volunteer.

As Carol said, “If we don’t do it, who will?”

Edited by Glenda Bogar, American Red Cross volunteer

Posted by Ryan Lang, American Red Cross board member and volunteer

It’s August – time for everyone to learn – not just schoolchildren

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By Doug Bardwell, American Red Cross volunteer

Here are 16 tips to help to educate the whole family:

Driving

In Northern Ohio, as children return to school earlier and earlier each year, it’s not
unusual in August to see children lined up, waiting for school buses. That means drivers
need to readjust their driving habits.

As youngsters wait for the bus for the first time, many have never been asked to stand
in one spot without dancing around or chasing their nearby friends. It’s not unusual to
see one of them dart off the curb and into the street without looking. Lesson: if you see
young children on the street corner – slow down and watch for unexpected behavior.

As young drivers with new driver’s licenses start to drive to school for the first time, they
can be easily distracted between the car radio, their cellphone, and/or friends they see
along the way. Lesson: remind them before they leave every day in August to be on the
lookout for little ones who might dart out between parked cars.

Grandparents may be pressed into service with school starting again, playing chauffeur
to their grandchildren. As darling as they can be, resist adjusting the rearview mirror to
have extended conversations with your little loved ones. Lesson: for every second you
are peering into the backseat, someone else’s child could run out in front of your moving
vehicle.

Grandparents must also be aware of current driving regulations regarding car seats,
booster seats, etc. Lesson: In Ohio, State law requires:

  • Infants and young children must ride in a child safety seat until they are 4 years old, AND, weigh at least 40 pounds.
  • Every child ages 4-8 who is no longer in a car seat must use a booster seat until he/she reaches 4’9” tall.
  • Children and teens, ages 8-15, who are not in booster seats must use adult seat belts.

This grandparent recalls traveling with our children unstrapped in a car bed on the back
seat. Fortunately, their guardian angels watched over them. Don’t even think about trying that now.

Awareness

“There are some special steps parents of younger kids should take, especially if they
have youngsters going to school for the first time,” said Mike Parks, Regional CEO.
Lesson: “They should make sure the child knows their phone number, address, how to
get in touch with their parents at work, how to get in touch with another trusted adult and
how to dial 911. And teach them not to talk to strangers or accept rides from someone
they don’t know.”

The American Red Cross always stresses the importance of having an emergency plan before disaster strikes. Lesson: Back-to-school time is an excellent opportunity to think about “What-If”. As you imagine different scenarios, who can you enlist to help out?

Neighbors, other parents, friends, relatives? Make sure to have current contact information for each of them.

Want more?

Here are another 10 “Get-ready-for-school” tips.
For more emergency preparedness suggestions, visit http://redcross.org/prepare.

Posted by Ryan Lang, Red Cross board member and volunteer

Apartment building residents placed in short-term housing

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Red Cross sheltering operations cease after six days

Residents of the Terrace Towers apartments in East Cleveland have been relocated to other short-term housing options, and the shelter operated by the American Red Cross has closed.

Red Cross workers preparing meal distribution.  Photo credit: Cuyahoga County Multimedia

More than 130 residents took refuge in the shelter for six nights, after fire forced them to flee on Monday, July 3rd . They took refuge the first two nights at the Salvation Army East Cleveland Corps Community Center. On Wednesday, the shelter was transferred to a dormitory at Case Western Reserve University. The shelter closed on Sunday.

It was the largest sheltering operation in Northern Ohio since 2004.

 Tom Revolinsky, Red Cross disaster program manager, and Alfreda Scott, Terrace Towers resident.  Photo credit:  American Red Cross

“We made a lot of friends,” said Tom Revolinsky, Disaster Program Manager for the Red Cross of Northeast Ohio. “A lot of the residents were understandably upset when they were forced out of their homes on the night before the fourth of July, but by the time they left the shelter on Sunday, we were getting lots of hugs.”

During the six nights of shelter operations, the Red Cross provided:
 525 overnight shelter stays
 2,023 meals
 304 health services
 256 comfort kits (personal hygiene items)
 125 blankets
 Continuous emotional support

Officials with RHM Real Estate Group, the Terrace Towers property management firm, is providing alternative housing options for the residents while repairs to the apartment complex are being made.

“We’re grateful to Terrace Towers property management for working so diligently this week to find alternative lodging for their residents,” said Emily Probst, Regional Disaster Officer for the Red Cross of Northern Ohio. “And we thank the Salvation Army for providing space for the first two nights, and Case Western Reserve University for opening one of their dormitories to these residents.”

Emmanuel Grant, Terrace Towers resident.  Photo credit: American Red Cross

Emmanuel Grant, one of the residents of Terrace Towers who took refuge at the Red Cross shelter, said, “One thing I appreciate about the Red Cross; they follow scripture when it said to extend hospitality, caring for your neighbor. So these things have really been a blessing.”

Alfreda Scott, Terrace Towers resident. Photo credit: American Red Cross

“My experience, believe it or not, has been wonderful,” said shelter resident Alfreda Scott. “It’s just been like a nice community, and everyone’s been hugging and supporting each other, and it’s been wonderful.”

She said once her housing situation stabilizes, she plans to become a Red Cross volunteer.

“I made some new friends.”

You can hear more from Emmanuel and Alfreda in this video here.

See more photos here.

Red Cross and County Emergency Management workers.  Photo credit:  Cuyahoga County Multimedia

The Red Cross received assistance from several organizations, including the Cuyahoga County Office of Emergency Management, and several businesses stepped-up to provide meals, including Bon Appetit, Case Western Reserve University’s food service provider.

“No one organization can carry out such a challenging task alone, and we’re thankful for all the help the residents received,” said Probst. “We’re also indebted to our dedicated volunteer workforce. We could not have provided such valuable assistance without them.”

To learn more about volunteer opportunities with the Red Cross, visit redcross.org/volunteer.

Posted by Ryan Lang, Red Cross board member and volunteer

Stay safe and look out for one another in extreme heat

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By Tim Poe, American Red Cross volunteer

July 30, 2014. City of Myrtle Beach Parks and Recreation, South Carolina. Julieth Martinez, 4, enjoying her swim lesson as part of the Centennial campaign. Photo by Connie Harvey/American Red Cross

I first saw the effects of heat stroke when I was 10. I was at a day camp for the first time. Decades later, I vaguely recall activities, canoes, a lake and even the heat. But I clearly remember seeing the fellow camper stumble, vomit and pass out. Counselors carried him inside and put him on a table, getting water and ice. The rest of us followed, worried, overhearing frantic conversations. Once inside, someone put on a movie to calm us, but I think we all knew he was in trouble and an ambulance was on the way. My memory becomes fuzzy after that. A darkened room, an ignored movie, a child my age prone on a table, teenagers tossing ice and water on him until the EMTs arrived, quickly giving treatment and taking him away. I saw him a few weeks later at another event, recovering.

As much as we enjoy summer and especially being active, heat can be dangerous, even life-threatening. In fact, the last several years have seen excessive heat cause more fatalities than all other weather events. Climate change is also making extreme heat events more frequent and severe, even here in Northern Ohio.

For a medical professional’s perspective on heat safety for our region, I reached out to Patricia Horvath, a registered nurse and American Red Cross volunteer regional nurse lead for Northern Ohio. Patricia explained, “a heat wave is more than 48 hours of high heat (90°F or higher) when high humidity (80 percent relative humidity or higher) is expected.”

Patricia Horvath, Regional Volunteer Nurse Lead

“For us in Northern Ohio, the uptick in heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion are often seen around local family fun runs, sports camps for kids and pre-season athletic training for high school kids during heat waves,” she said. “I’ve also experienced it at outdoor family reunions when seniors rapidly became dehydrated in the sun.

“The saddest and most devasting situation I have seen is the death of a child—left or forgotten—in a hot parked car,” she continued. “After an hour, the average in-car temperature is 43 degrees higher than the outdoor temperature. After 90 minutes, this rises to 48 degrees higher. Therefore, when it’s 90 degrees outside, it could reach an incredible 138 degrees in your parked car. That’s hotter than any outdoor temperature ever recorded on Earth! Parents, grandparents and caregivers need to establish memory hooks as a routine to be sure to check for the little ones in car seats before leaving. It’s easy to get distracted or absentminded these days. Unfortunately, this also occurs often with pets. If you see a child in a parked car alone on a hot day even with windows cracked, say something and get help. Minutes matter.”

Patricia also spoke of the importance of community. “Like most things in a community, it’s those who live there who look out for each other that makes it healthy and safe. With heat waves, communities in Northern Ohio now will open free access to designated ‘cooling centers’ for residents, such as recreational centers, libraries and community centers. Check on your vulnerable elderly neighbors to be sure they have access to air-conditioning. Invite them to your house or give them a ride to a cooling center for the day. I have had air conditioning parties for my neighbors and friends during heat waves. Growing up, this is something my parents used to do when AC in private homes was more of a luxury.”

Patricia’s general advice to stay safe is:

  • Be aware of the predicted heat and humidity for the day.
  • Keep hydrated even if you are not thirsty.
  • Keep cool, stay indoors or in the shade and, minimize exercise/activity.
  • Check in with kids and the elderly to keep them safe too.
  • Know the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

More information is available on the Red Cross heat safety page and the free Emergency App.

You can also see recent articles on summer road trip preparation, water safety, and severe weather safety.

Edited by Glenda Bogar, Red Cross volunteer.

Posted by Ryan Lang, Red Cross board member and volunteer.

Raising awareness in Akron for patients with sickle cell disease

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When patients living with sickle cell disease face a sickle cell crisis, blood transfusions can make a lifesaving difference. That’s why the Akron National Panhellenic Council partnered recently with the American Red Cross to grow the number of blood donors who are Black to help patients with sickle cell disease, the most common inherited blood disorder in the U.S.

28 donations were collected at the Akron NPHC blood drive on Saturday, June 23, to help raise awareness for patients living with the disease. Nine sororities and fraternities took park in the drive.

Jasina Chapman, first-time blood donor and organizer of the Akron NPHC blood drive for sickle cell awareness

“We mobilized all of our groups to get them to either donate or volunteer,” said Jasina Chapman, who donated blood for the first time at the drive. As the Community Service Chairperson for the Eta Delta Sigma Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. and the Akron NPHC, she helped organize the blood drive.

“We are African American leaders in our community,” she said. “We need to activate African Americans to donate blood.”

More than 100,000 people live with sickle cell disease nationwide, and the majority of patients are of African descent. The disease distorts soft, round blood cells and turns them hard and crescent-shaped, which can cause extreme pain. When hardened, the cells can get caught in blood vessels, potentially leading to stroke and organ failure. Blood transfusions are often used in treatment, and many individuals who are Black have distinct markers on their red blood cells that make their blood donations the most compatible match for helping patients with sickle cell disease. One in three African American blood donors is a match for people with sickle cell disease.

Christa Nuru, one of 28 donors at the Akron NPHC blood drive

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.