The American Red Cross urges donors to give blood or platelets in February to help build up the blood supply after thousands of donations went uncollected last month. People of all blood types – especially those with type O negative blood – are encouraged to make and keep their donation appointments so hospitals can continue to ensure critical care for patients this winter.
Since the beginning of the year, hundreds of blood drives have been canceled and more than 16,000 blood and platelet donations have gone uncollected due to severe winter weather and wildfires. As February continues, so does the potential for additional weather systems to disrupt blood drives. Flu and other seasonal illnesses are spreading, which could also force more people to cancel scheduled donation appointments, compounding the impact to collecting lifesaving blood products.
Give with your whole heart this month. To book a time to give blood or platelets, use the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
As a thank-you, all who come to give Jan. 27-Feb. 28, 2025, will get a $15 e-gift card to a merchant of choice. See RedCrossBlood.org/Flurry for details.
Upcoming blood donation opportunities Feb. 16-28:
Prineville
2/27/2025: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., St Charles Prineville, 384 SE Combs Flat Road
Bend
Bend Blood Donation Center, 815 SW Bond Street Suite 110 – Visit redcrossblood.org to see times.
2/19/2025: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., St Charles Medical Center Bend, 2500 NE Neff Road
2/24/2025: 10 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., Bend Parks & Recreation, 799 SW Columbia St
2/25/2025: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., The Newberry, 300 NW Franklin Ave
La Pine
2/26/2025: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., Community Center, 16405 First St.
Redmond
2/17/2025: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., St Charles Medical Center-Redmond, 1253 N. Canal Blvd.
2/17/2025: 12 p.m. – 5 p.m., Grange 812, 707 SW Kalama
2/18/2025: 11 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., LDS – Redmond OR Stake, 450 SW Rimrock
2/24/2025: 10:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., VFW 4108 Redmond, 491 SW Veterans Way
2/28/2025: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., RPA Operations Building, 628 SW Glacier Ave.
Sisters
2/28/2025: 9:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., Sisters Community Hall, 301 SE Elm St
Culver
2/21/2025: 9:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., Culver High School-Multipurpose Room, 710 5th St.
The Red Cross is the primary provider to 65 hospitals in Oregon and Washington. In addition to providing lifesaving blood products, the Red Cross mobilizes relief to families affected by disasters, trains people in lifesaving skills and provides services to active and veteran U.S. military personnel and their families. Donors can feel good knowing that by supporting the Red Cross, they can help family and friends in their communities and across the country.
How to donate blood
Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enable the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device 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 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.
Blood and platelet donors can 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, before arriving at the blood drive. To get started, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Blood Donor App.
Amplify your impact − volunteer!
Another way to support the lifesaving mission of the Red Cross is to become a volunteer blood donor ambassador at Red Cross blood drives. Blood donor ambassadors help greet, check in and thank blood donors to ensure they have a positive donation experience.
Volunteers can also serve as transportation specialists, playing a vital role in ensuring lifesaving blood products are delivered to nearby hospitals. For more information and to apply for either position, contact or visit redcross.org/volunteertoday.[
