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Red Cross seeks donors during National Volunteer Month
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During National Volunteer Month this April, the American Red Cross encourages eligible donors to join in its lifesaving mission by giving blood.

Since 1943, every U.S. president has designated March as Red Cross Month to recognize how the Red Cross helps people across the country and around the world. Red Cross Month is a celebration of supporters, who are the face of the Red Cross in their communities and bring hope to people facing emergencies.

Kay Whaley knows the impact of blood donations. When she was 9, she was in an accident and needed many transfusions. That experience inspired her to become a blood donor.

“It takes about an hour of your time and could save the life of a friend, neighbor or even family member,” said Whaley. “It doesn’t cost you anything and is the greatest gift you could give.”

Volunteer donors are the only source of blood products for those in need of transfusions. Donors of all blood types are needed to help meet patient needs this spring.

Persons may make an appointment to donate blood by downloading the free Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting redcrossblood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Local blood donation sessions will be offered at the Turlock Blood Donation Center, 655 E. Hawkeye on the following schedule:

·        April 16 – 11:45 a.m. - 6:45 p.m.;

·        April 17 and 18 – 11:45 a.m. - 6:45 p.m.;

·        April 20 – 7:45 a.m. - 2:45 p.m.;

·        April 21 – 7 a.m. - 3 p.m.;

·        April 22: 7:45 a.m. - 2:15 p.m.;

·        April 23 – 11:45 a.m. - 6:45 p.m.;

·        April 24 and 25 – 11:45 a.m. - 6:45 p.m.;

·        April 27 – 7:45 a.m. - 2:45 p.m.;

·        April 28 – 7:45 a.m. - 3 p.m.;

·        April 29 – 7:45 a.m. - 2:15 p.m.;

·        April 30 – 11:45 a.m. - 6:45 p.m.

To help simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) 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 donors can now 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, prior to arriving at the blood drive. To get started and learn more, visit redcrossblood.org/RapidPass and follow the instructions on the site.

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.