Media release from the American Red Cross, Georgia Region:
Atlantic hurricane season began this month. Disasters like hurricanes and severe summer weather can disrupt blood drives for several days and impact the momentum of a growing blood supply. Help the American Red Cross plan for the unexpected by making an appointment to give blood.
Even when hospitals are fully stocked with blood products, sudden events can cause a rapid drop in the availability of lifesaving transfusions. While many may be engaging in outdoor adventures this month, the Red Cross asks people to continue making and keeping donation appointments a part of their June plans.
Blood has a shelf life of 42 days, which means ongoing donations are key to ensure medical needs are met. Type O blood donors are especially needed as the summer season continues.
June 14 is World Blood Donor Day, and June 19 is World Sickle Cell Day. Join the Red Cross in celebrating the spirit of humanity by giving blood. Visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS or use the Red Cross Blood Donor App to book a time to donate. Those who come to give June 1-30, 2025, will get a $15 Amazon.com Gift Card by email and will be automatically entered for a chance to win one of two $7,000 gift cards. Terms apply. Visit RedCrossBlood.org/June.
Upcoming blood donation opportunities June 16-30
Bartow
Cartersville
6/24/2025: 12 p.m. – 5:30 p.m., Cartersville Civic Ctr., 435 West Main Street
6/28/2025: 8 a.m. – 1 p.m., Atco Baptist Church, 20 Parmenter St
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Gordon
Calhoun
6/30/2025: 1 p.m. – 6 p.m., First United Methodist Church Calhoun, 205 East Line Street
Fairmount
6/16/2025: 1 p.m. – 6 p.m., Fairmount Community Center, 11921 Fairmount Hwy SE
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.
About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% 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, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.
