In a recent news release, the American Red Cross asked donors to make an appointment to give blood or platelets to support patients.
In October, donation appointments can often drop quickly when people settle into busy fall routines and make plans around upcoming school breaks.
Additionally, the threat of hurricanes persists this month. Because blood has a short shelf life and can only come from volunteer blood donors, any disruptions in the ability to collect lifesaving blood can have serious consequences for those seeking medical care.
To make an appointment to give blood or platelets, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS or use the Red Cross Blood Donor App. All who come to give blood, platelets or plasma between Sept. 22 and Oct. 19 will receive a $10 Amazon.com gift card by email. For details, see RedCrossBlood.org/Fall.
Those who give between Oct. 20 and Nov. 16 will receive a $10 e-gift card to a merchant of choice, plus be automatically entered for a chance to win one of three $5,000 gift cards. See RedCrossBlood.org/Harvest for details.
Upcoming blood donation opportunities from Oct. 16 to 31 in Lewis County include:
• Oct. 17: 11:30 a.m.-5 p.m., Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 122 Henriot Road, Toledo
• Oct. 20: 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Cascade Community Healthcare, 2428 Reynolds Ave., Centralia
• Oct. 23: 10 a.m.-3 p.m., United Methodist Church, 16 S. Market Blvd., Chehalis
• Oct. 28: 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Lewis County Courthouse, 351 NW North Ave., Chehalis
