November 21, 2022
Thanksgiving is the perfect time to gather with loved ones, give thanks over a delicious meal and make a lifesaving difference by giving blood. Many traditional Thanksgiving dishes are rich in iron and can help ensure a successful donation.
Indulging in foods like turkey, ham, chicken, broccoli, collards or your family’s favorite green bean casserole can help you maintain healthy iron levels needed for donating blood. Iron is an essential mineral that is a part of hemoglobin which helps maintain your strength and energy, and the American Red Cross checks your hemoglobin before each blood and platelet donation to make sure you are healthy enough to give.
This time of year is traditionally challenging for the nation’s blood supply as many blood donors delay giving due to seasonal illness, holiday events and travel which can lead to delays in treatments for patients relying on blood. Donors are needed now, and in the weeks to come to prevent a shortfall in donations. So, enjoy a second helping of all your iron-rich Thanksgiving favorites, drink plenty of water and schedule an appointment to give.
In thanks for giving, all who come to give blood, platelets or plasma Nov. 23-27, 2022, will receive an exclusive Red Cross knit beanie, while supplies last. Those who come to give Nov. 28-Dec. 15, 2022, will receive a $10 Amazon.com Gift Card via email, thanks to our partners at Amazon.*
MAKE AN APPOINTMENT TODAY Schedule an appointment to donate by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org, or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
Save time during donation Donors can also save up to 15 minutes at the blood drive by completing a RapidPass®. With RapidPass®, donors complete the pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of donation, from a mobile device or computer. To complete a RapidPass®, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Red Cross Blood Donor App.
To donate blood, individuals need to bring a blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification that 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 must meet certain height and weight requirements.
*Restrictions apply, Additional information and details are available at amazon.com/gc-legal.
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