BRATTLEBORO — During Red Cross Month in March, the American Red Cross encourages eligible donors to join in its lifesaving mission by giving blood.
Since 1943, every U.S. president has designated March as Red Cross Month to recognize how the Red Cross helps people across the country and around the world. Red Cross Month is a celebration of supporters, who are the face of the Red Cross in their communities and bring hope to people facing emergencies.
The Red Cross depends on blood-donor heroes across the nation to collect enough blood to meet the needs of patients at approximately 2,600 hospitals nationwide. Donors of all blood types, especially type O, are needed to help those who rely on blood products, according to a news release.
Local donation opportunities in March include a blood drive at Marlboro College, 2582 South Rd., on Thursday, March 2, from 1 to 6 p.m., and the monthly Brattleboro Donor Day at the Fraternal Order of Eagles, 54 Chickering Drive, on Tuesday, March 14, from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
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.
Make an appointment by downloading the free Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting redcrossblood.org or calling 800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767).