Donate blood and help save a life

hudson valley — The American Red Cross asks eligible donors to give something that means something this holiday season — a lifesaving blood donation.

Blood donations often decline this time of year when donors get busy with holiday festivities and travel. Severe winter weather and seasonal illnesses, like the flu, can also have a serious impact on blood donations, but the need for blood remains steady. On average, the Red Cross must collect 15,000 blood products every day for patients across the country.

Eligible donors with all types are needed, especially those with O negative, A negative and B negative. To learn more about donating blood and to schedule an appointment, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App,  go to redcrossblood.org or call 800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767).

Local upcoming blood donation opportunities:

Columbia County

Hillsdale 

• Monday, Dec. 8, from 1 to 6 p.m., at the Hillsdale firehouse, Route 22.

Dutchess County

Poughkeepsie

• Friday, Dec. 5, from 1 to 6 p.m., at Arlington Professional Firefighters, 11 Burnett Blvd.

• Tuesday, Dec. 9, from 1 to 6 p.m., at Poughkeepsie Galleria, 2001 South Road.

• Monday, Dec. 15, from 10 a.m.  to 2 p.m., at Abilities First, Inc., 70 Overocker Road.

Rhinebeck

• Friday, Dec. 5, from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., at  Northern Dutchess Hospital, 6511 Springbrook Ave.

Download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, go to redcrossblood.org or call 800-RED CROSS (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 (16 with parental consent in some 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, go to www.redcross.org. 

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