American Red Cross appeals for blood donors during National Preparedness Month

Bend, Ore. (KTVZ) --- The American Red Cross is appealing for blood and platelet donors of all blood types to schedule donation appointments this fall. The organization provides more than 6.5 million blood products to hospitals nationwide each year.

The call for donations aligns with National Preparedness Month in September. Red Cross officials stated that maintaining a sufficient blood supply is necessary for disaster response, including home fires and natural disasters.

Donors who give blood or platelets between Sept. 21 and Oct. 18 will receive a $15 e-gift card to a merchant of their choice. In addition, individuals who donate at a Red Cross donation center through Sept. 30 and mention the word “pickleball” to staff or volunteers can receive a custom Red Cross pickleball paddle and ball while supplies last.

To be eligible to donate, individuals must be at least 17 years old, or 16 with parental consent where permitted by state law and weigh at least 110 pounds while in generally good health. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger must also meet specific height and weight requirements. Donors must present a blood donor card, driver's license or two other forms of identification at check-in.

Appointments can be made using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, by visiting RedCrossBlood.org, by calling 1-800-RED CROSS or by enabling the Blood Donor Skill on Alexa Echo devices. Donors can use RapidPass online on the day of their appointment to complete pre-donation reading and health history questionnaires before arriving at the drive.

Blood drives in Deschutes County include appointments at the Bend Blood Donation Center, along with drives at the State & County Offices on Wall Street today, the City of Bend Police Department on Wednesday, Awbrey Glen Golf Club on Sept. 28 and the US Bank Downtown Bend Branch on Sept. 30. Drive locations in Redmond include Redmond Community Church on Sept. 24, the LDS Redmond OR Stake on Sept. 29, Desert Song Community Church on Oct. 1, the Technology Education Center and Mountain View Fellowship on Oct. 5 and the RPA Operations Building on Oct. 6.

Additional local donation drives are scheduled at the Sunriver Library today, Cascade Bible Church in La Pine on Sept. 28, St. Charles Prineville on Sept. 29, Juniper Canyon Baptist Church in Prineville and Sisters Community Hall on Oct. 2 and Faith Baptist Church in Hines on Oct. 6.

Donation drives across Crook, Deschutes and Harney counties are scheduled to run through Oct. 6.