The American Red Cross urges eligible donors to give blood in the weeks surrounding Independence Day to help ensure a sufficient blood supply now and throughout the summer.
Many summer activities, such as vacations and travel, cause frequent blood donors to be less available to give during the summer. However, hospital patients still depend on volunteer donors to receive lifesaving transfusions – the need for blood does not get a vacation.
Eligible donors are encouraged to choose their day to make a difference. Donors of all blood types – especially those with types O negative, A negative and B negative – are needed.
There will be two opportunities to give blood in Windham County.
On Tuesday, July 7, the bloodmobile will be at Carl M. Dessaint VFW Post 1034, 40 Black Mountain Rd., Brattleboro, from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The bloodmobile will also be in Grafton on July 7, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the Grafton Inn, 92 Main St.
To give blood, simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767) to make an appointment or for more information.
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.