Donating blood saves lives | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
American Red Cross
January 15, 2015
The American Red Cross always needs blood and platelet donations to help save lives. (Photo by American Red Cross)
This January, the American Red Cross is celebrating National Blood Donor Month, recognizing the lifesaving contribution blood and platelet donors make to modern healthcare. As 2015 gets underway, the Red Cross offers tips for a successful donation experience.
Before your donation:
During your donation:
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After your donation:
Blood can be safely donated every 56 days. Platelets can be given every seven days up to 24 times a year. Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental consent in most states), 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.
For more information or to schedule an appointment to donate, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org. Donors can also use the Red Cross blood donor app, which is free and available for download now. It can be found in app stores by searching for American Red Cross.