American Red Cross Youth

Over the weekend, the Red Cross issued a call for blood donation. The donor base is down, but on any given day, an average of 39,000 units of red blood cells are needed for patients in the United States. Blood helps cancer patients, surgical and trauma patients, burn victims, people with blood disorders, and many others. Age is not a determining factor. Blood can help a newborn infant or someone’s grandmother.

To give blood, you must be at least 17 years of age, weigh at least 110 pounds, and be in good health. Some states allow 16-year-olds to give blood with parental consent. If you have given blood before, it must be at least 56 days since your last donation.

For more information, or to find a blood or platelet donation opportunity, call the Red Cross at 1-800-GIVE LIFE, or visit www.givelife.org.