With the July Fourth holiday approaching — a time when accidents and emergency needs often rise — the American Red Cross is calling on eligible donors to help stabilize the nation's blood supply by scheduling a blood or platelet donation.
The organization is particularly urging donors with type O blood — the most widely transfused in emergencies — to step forward. Type O negative is crucial for trauma care, as it can be used for any patient when there’s no time for blood typing. Type O positive, the most common blood type, is consistently in high demand.
To encourage donations, the Red Cross is offering incentives in partnership with the eyewear brand goodr. Donors who give between July 1 and July 14 will receive a pair of limited-edition Red Cross sunglasses, while supplies last. Blood types can even be displayed with a custom sticker. For more information, visit RedCrossBlood.org/goodr.
Donors who give by June 30 will also receive a $15 Amazon.com gift card by email and be entered to win one of two $7,000 gift cards. Full details are available at RedCrossBlood.org/June.
Appointments can be made at RedCrossBlood.org, by calling 1-800-RED CROSS, or through the Red Cross Blood Donor App.
Local Donation Opportunities:
Delhi
June 24, 12:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Delhi United Ministry, 1 Church Street
Sidney
June 24, 1:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Sidney Elks Lodge, 104 River Street
Roxbury
July 7, 1:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Roxbury Town Hall, 56 Hillcrest Drive
Each donation, officials say, helps ensure that blood is available when and where it is needed most — for patients seen in emergency rooms across the country and in rural hospitals across upstate New York.
