Emergencies don’t take a holiday. As we head into Memorial Day weekend, the American Red Cross urges donors to keep the blood supply top of mind and help save lives by making an appointment to give blood or platelets.
Immediate access to blood products is a key part of summer safety. With millions of Americans expected to travel around Memorial Day and engage in water sports, boating, camping and other outdoor activities, the risk of accidents increases. Though it can be a busy time, making and keeping blood donation appointments remains a critical priority in May during Trauma Awareness Month.
Type O blood donors and those giving platelets are essential right now to meet the needs of hospitals. Volunteer blood donors can be the light in a patient’s recovery, especially accident victims who may require hundreds of blood units through transfusions.
Shine a light on saving lives. Schedule a time to give now by visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS or by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App. Those who come to give by May 31, 2025, will receive an exclusive Red Cross solar lantern, while supplies last. Plus, all who come to give in May will be automatically entered for a chance to win a U.S. trip of their choice for two. Full details can be found at RedCrossBlood.org/May.
Those who come to give June 1-30, 2025, will get a $15 Amazon.com Gift Card by email and will be automatically entered for a chance to win one of two $7,000 gift cards. Terms apply. Visit RedCrossBlood.org/June.
Upcoming blood donation opportunities May 21-June 15
Westchester County
Harrison
6/3/2025: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., St. Gregory’ the Great Church, 215 Halstead Avenue
Hawthorne
6/10/2025: 2 p.m. – 6 p.m., American Red Cross, 40 Saw Mill River Road, Upper Level 3
Larchmont
5/29/2025: 3 p.m. – 7 p.m., Larchmont Temple, 75 Larchmont Avenue
Pelham Manor
5/31/2025: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., New York Athletic Club, Field House, 31 Shore Road
Rye
6/10/2025: 12 p.m. – 5 p.m., The Osborn – Main Building, 101 Theall Road
Scarsdale
6/5/2025: 12 p.m. – 5 p.m., American Legion Post 979, 40 Bell Road
Valhalla
5/21/2025: 11:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Westchester Medical Center – Taylor Pavilion South, 100 Woods Road
West Harrison
6/4/2025: 11:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., West Harrison Senior Center, 251 Underhill Avenue
White Plains
5/30/2025: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., Cancer Support Community Greater NY & CT at Gildas Club, 80 Maple Avenue
6/3/2025: 1 p.m. – 5 p.m., Thomas H Slater Center, 2 Fisher Court
Yorktown Heights
6/7/2025: 11:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., Jefferson Valley Mall, 650 Lee Boulevard
Rockland County
Sparkill
5/24/2025: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., St Charles Church, 432 Valentine Avenue
Spring Valley
5/30/2025: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., Finkelstein Memorial Library, 24 Chestnut Street
West Nyack
5/22/2025: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., West Nyack Free Library, 65 Strawtown Road
How to donate blood
Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enable the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device 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 in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), 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.
Blood and platelet donors can save time at their next donation by using RapidPass® to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, before arriving at the blood drive. To get started, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Blood Donor App.
