Watertown and surrounding communities responds to urgent need for Seven Days of Caring to be held during critical blood shortage
Watertown and surrounding communities are coming together to help the American Red Cross during a critical blood shortage. The 7 Days of Caring Blood Drive comes during the difficult summer months, a time when many regular donors postpone giving blood due to vacation plans and summer activities. Right now, blood products are being distributed to hospitals faster than donations are coming in.
Someone in the U.S. needs blood or platelets every two seconds. Blood and platelets are needed for many different reasons. Accident and burn victims, heart surgery patients, organ transplant patients, and those receiving treatment for leukemia, cancer or sickle cell disease may all need blood.
Donors of all blood types are urgently needed to help restock the shelves. Seven Days of Caring will be held from August 15 through 21. Download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800- RED-CROSS (1-800- 733-2767) to make an appointment or for more information.
As a thank you, all who come to donate at 7 Days of Caring will receive a BOGO free coupon to Wonderworks Indoor Amusement Park and Canyon Climb Ropes Course at Destiny USA and a $5 Amazon.com gift card. Presenting donors may also enter to win a $100 gift card courtesy of Salmon Run Mall in Watertown, and a chance to win a trip to Knott’s Berry Farm or Cedar Fair theme parks.
How to donate blood
Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800- 733-2767) 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.
Blood donors can now save time at their next donation by using RapidPass to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, prior to arriving at the blood drive. To get started and learn more, visit redcrossblood.org/RapidPass and follow the instructions on the site.
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 cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.