The American Red Cross is urging people to make blood or platelet donation appointments in the coming weeks to help maintain a steady blood supply.
The Red Cross says all blood types are needed, and volunteer donors provide the blood products used by hospitals across the country.
Those who donate between September 21st and October 18th will receive a $15 electronic gift card to a merchant of their choice. And through September 30th, donors at Red Cross blood donation centers who mention the word “pickleball” can receive a Red Cross pickleball paddle and ball, while supplies last.
There are numerous upcoming blood drives throughout western Wisconsin, including Spooner on September 24th from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Spooner Health.
Other local opportunities include Hayward September 23rd, Chippewa Falls September 24th and 25th, Ladysmith September 25th, and multiple drives in Eau Claire, Menomonie, Hudson, New Richmond and surrounding communities.
Appointments can be made through the Red Cross Blood Donor App, at RedCrossBlood.org, or by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS.
The Red Cross says people who are at least 17 in most states, or 16 where permitted with parental consent, weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate.
Red Cross: Keep the blood supply ready, give blood or platelets this fall
