Though students are wrapping up their vacations and returning to school campuses throughout the area, the summer is still officially here, and the need for blood donations remains constant.
To encourage donors during this hectic time, the American Red Cross is offering some special incentives. Those who come to give blood now through Aug. 28 will receive a $15 e-gift card to a merchant of their choice and can use it to grab a new sun hat, reusable water bottle or other summery treat.
Plus, during the month of August, successful blood donations will receive free A1C testing (one result per donor in a 12-month period). Commonly used to screen for prediabetes and diabetes, A1C testing measures your average blood sugar over the past three months. No fasting is needed.
Donations of all blood types are needed, and donors who don’t know their blood type can learn it after donation.
Donors can stop by to give at the Modesto American Red Cross, 1900 W. Orangeburg Ave., Modesto, which is open various days and times.
Also, there is an Oakdale blood drive scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 14 at Interfaith – LDS Oakdale, 1111 E. A St., from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.; sponsor code for that drive is LDSOakdale.
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.
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow them on social media.
