HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — The need for blood is constant, and it's especially high during the summer. Vacations, summer activities, and a recent shortage in blood donors mean that there's an urgent need for people to roll up their sleeves and give.
According to the Red Cross, donors of all blood types, especially those with type B negative or O negative blood as well as platelet donors, are needed. To encourage blood donations, the Red Cross is offering the following to those who come to give in the coming weeks:
- All who come to give blood, platelets or plasma through June 30 will receive a $10 gift card by email to a merchant of their choice.
- Those who come to give in June will also be automatically entered for a chance to win a backyard theater package. Details for both offers can be found at RedCrossBlood.org/June.
- All who come to give blood, platelets or plasma July 1-11 will receive an exclusive Red Cross dry bag, while supplies last. Details are available at RedCrossBlood.org/gifts.
By scheduling and keeping appointments right now, the Red Cross saysddonors can help ensure patients relying on blood donations also get to enjoy their summer. 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).
Part of making sure there is an adequate supply of blood is staying safe this summer. The Red Cross offers the following tips to help make this a season of fun, not tragedy:
Fireworks safety:
- Skip fireworks at home. Attend a public show or celebrate with glow sticks or noise makers instead.
- Keep a supply of water close by as a precaution.
- Wear eye protection when lighting fireworks.
- Light only one firework at a time, and never attempt to relight "a dud."
Grill safety:
- Keep the grill out in the open, away from the house, deck, tree branches or anything that could catch fire.
- Don’t add charcoal starter fluid when coals have already been ignited.
- Always supervise a barbecue grill when in use.
- Make sure everyone, including pets, stays away from the grill.
- Use the long-handled tools especially made for cooking on the grill to help keep the chef safe.
- Wash your hands before preparing the food.
- Don’t leave food out in the hot sun. Keep perishable foods in a cooler with plenty of ice or freezer gel packs.
