Be an everday hero during Red Cross Month

Blood donors are everyday heroes who help save lives. During March, Red Cross Month, the American Red Cross recognizes these lifesavers, thanks them for their generosity and encourages others to join their ranks.

American Red Cross Blood Services milestones:

1941 The Red Cross began collecting blood for the U.S. military with Dr. Charles Drew as medical director.

1943 March was first proclaimed Red Cross Month by Franklin Roosevelt. Every president since has honored Red Cross Month.

1948 The Red Cross implemented the first nationwide blood program for civilians. The first collection center opened in Rochester, N.Y.

1972 The Red Cross called for a national blood policy, which the federal government set up in 1974, supporting standardized practices.

1992 The Red Cross applied standardized tests to ensure the safety of blood products. Now about a dozen tests are performed on every blood donation.

Courtney Krisher will be forever grateful for the donors who helped save her brother, Lucas. The siblings, who are both members of the U.S. military, had given blood together just a few months before Lucas was in a motorcycle accident. He was rushed to the hospital with extensive internal bleeding and received four pints of blood.

“Some people call me and my brother heroes (because of our military service), but I think the same could be said for people who give blood,” Courtney said.

The Red Cross has been meeting the needs of patients like Lucas since World War II and today partners with nearly 2,700 hospitals and transfusion centers throughout the U.S.

To make an appointment to give blood and be an everyday hero, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767 ).

Upcoming blood donation opportunities:

Bend
Bend Blood Donation Center Central Oregon Donor Center Blood Drives, 815 SW Bond St. Suite 110 Bend, OR 97702
Mon . 1:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., Tues . 12:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., Wed . 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Thurs .12:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (subject to change), Fri . 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Sat . 8:00 am to 1:00 p.m. ( Second Sat . only)

AmeriTitle Bend Blood Drive, AmeriTitle Oregon Ave. 15 Oregon Ave., Bend, OR, 97701. Thurs . Mar. 13, 9:00 a.m. – 12:45 p.m.
Microsemi Blood Drive, 307 SW Columbia St. Bend, OR 97701. Fri . Mar. 14, 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Pint Fest Blood Drive, Bend Blood Donation Center, 815 SW Bond St Suite 110, Bend, OR 97702 Thurs . Mar, 20, 1:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Notes: All presenting donors will receive a coupon for a free beverage from Deschutes Brewery
State County Offices Bend Blood Drive, State County Offices-Bend, 1300 NW Wall St. Bend, OR 97701. Thurs . Mar.20 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Bend Community Blood Drive, Deschutes Public Library District, 601 N.W. Wall St. Bend, OR 97701. Mon . Mar. 24, 2:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Eagle Scout Project Zach Clinkscales Bend Blood Drive, Eastmont Church, 62425 Eagle Rd. Bend, OR 97701. Thurs . Mar. 27, 12:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.

How to donate blood
Simply call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767 ) or visit redcrossblood.org 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 (16 with parental consent in some states), 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.

About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.