TUCSON— In honor of Red Cross Month in March, the American Red Cross encourages people to uncover their inner hero and donate blood or platelets, volunteer their time or sign up to organize a blood drive.
Since 1943, every president has designated March as Red Cross Month to recognize how the Red Cross helps people down the street and across the country.
“The everyday heroes are those who donate blood, volunteer, take a lifesaving class, host a blood drive or make a financial contribution to help neighbors here in the Lewis and Clark region and across the nation,” said Michelle Kelch, Community CEO of the Arizona Blood Services Region. “We thank and honor these everyday heroes who support the Red Cross.”
The Red Cross couldn’t fulfill its mission without people who are dedicated blood donors, platelet donors and volunteers.
People also can become everyday heroes by hosting a SleevesUp virtual blood drive or creating a team via the Blood Donor App. SleevesUp provides an easy way for Red Cross supporters to encourage those in their networks to give blood or platelets to honor someone’s life, celebrate a special occasion or simply bring people together to help save lives. Campaigns can be created online at redcrossblood.org/SleevesUp.
The Blood Donor App allows individuals to find a local blood or platelet donation opportunity, schedule appointments and track their donation history. Plus, it lets users create teams and recruit friends and family to roll up a sleeve with them. The Blood Donor App is available for download by texting BLOODAPP to 90999 or by visiting redcrossblood.org/BloodApp.
“It doesn’t take superpowers to be a hero for a patient in need – just a little time,” added Kimberly Houk, Red Cross spokesperson. Blood donors with all blood types, particularly O negative, A negative and B negative, and platelet donors are encouraged to make an appointment to give.