Red Cross issues plea for blood donors during Trauma Awareness Month

The American Red Cross is asking the public to give blood or platelets during Trauma Awareness Month in May to keep hospitals prepared for all transfusion needs, including emergencies. Type O blood donors and donors giving platelets are especially needed.

The American Red Cross is asking the public to give blood or platelets during Trauma Awareness Month in May to keep hospitals prepared for transfusion needs, including emergencies. Type O blood donors and donors giving platelets are especially needed.

Type O negative is the universal blood type and what emergency room personnel reach for when there is no time to determine a patient’s blood type. In addition, platelets are often needed to help with clotting in cases of massive bleeding.

There are still more than a dozen opportunities to donate blood this month in Richland County. More than half of the blood collections will take place at the Richland Mall, including a drive from noon to 6 p.m. Wednesday and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday.

Book a time to give by visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS or by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App.

Those who donate through May 31 will be emailed a coupon for a free haircut at Sport Clips Haircuts. Plus, those who give through May 19 will be entered for a chance to win a trip for two and VIP racing experience to the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series and Xfinity Races at Darlington Raceway Labor Day weekend, including entry to the Sport Clips racetrack hospitality tent and a $1,000 gift card. Additionally, those who come to give through May 19 will get a bonus $10 e-gift card to a merchant of choice.

This article originally appeared on Mansfield News Journal: American Red Cross seeks donors for upcoming blood drives