During the lazy summer months and in the harried back-to-school week, perhaps the last thing we’re thinking about is donating blood. Supplies dwindle during the hottest months, so the need for donations is greater than ever.
“Donations decline around summer holidays like Labor Day,” American Red Cross regional spokeswoman Tammy Nakamura says. “Whether blood is needed for a chronic condition such as sickle cell disease, a routine surgery, a traumatic accident or a large-scale emergency, it’s important to have blood already on the shelves to help save lives.”
Registration is easy at RedCross.org: Type in your zip code, scroll through upcoming locations and pick a time. With the Red Cross Blood Donor App, you can track local drives, set up your next blood donation appointment, track how much you have donated so far and more. United Blood Services (BloodHero.com) has a quick three-step process as well.
Among this week’s opportunities to donate: August 26, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Findlay Acura, 315 Auto Mall Drive; August 26, 2 p.m. (The Human Rights Campaign Stop the Hate Blood Drive), The Center of Southern Nevada, 401 S. Maryland Parkway; and September 1, 9 a.m. to 1:50 p.m., Enterprise Rental Car, 6855 Bermuda Road.
Coming this fall, the process of becoming an organ donor will be easier than ever. Apple will be releasing a donor-registration app that will be connected to the Health App on every iPhone. The registration will allow users to learn about organ, eye and tissue donations and choose to become a donor. Registration information will be sent directly to the National Donate Life Registry, managed by Donate Life America.
Those in emergency rooms and on waiting lists can live to see another day thanks to those who donate. Those relaxing poolside, a fruity drink in hand, can learn how to make a difference by checking out where the next blood drive will be.
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