A single blood donation can save up to three lives by providing red blood cells, platelets, and plasma to trauma victims, surgery patients, and individuals battling chronic illnesses such as cancer and sickle cell disease.
According to the Red Cross, someone in the U.S. needs blood every two seconds, so blood products must be constantly replenished. Because blood and platelets cannot be manufactured, volunteer donors are the only source. Whether it’s whole blood, red cells, platelets, or plasma, each lifesaving donation begins with one generous donor.
Summer is one of the most challenging times of the year for maintaining an adequate blood supply. Many regular donors are out of town, and donation appointments often go unfilled. In Southern Arizona, 20% of our regional blood donations come from high school and college students, which means that school summer breaks lead to a steep drop in the local blood supply. This seasonal decline can lead to critical shortages, especially of Type O blood, which can be used universally in trauma and other urgent situations.
To help meet this need, Handmaker is proud to host a Red Cross Blood Drive on Tuesday, Aug. 11, from 10:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. in its Great Room.
Schedule your appointment today by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visiting RedCrossBlood.org and entering “Handmaker” as the sponsor code. You can also click this link to schedule an appointment.
As an added incentive, anyone who signs up and shows up to the blood drive will receive a $20 Amazon Gift Card by email. And of course, there will be plenty of kosher snacks for all participants.
Not sure if you’re eligible to donate? Check the Red Cross eligibility guidelines here:
redcrossblood.org/donate-blood/how-to-donate/eligibility-requirements/eligibility-criteria-alphabetical.html
Handmaker invites all who are eligible to come together as a community on Tuesday, Aug. 11 and help prevent a summer blood shortage. Your donation will save lives!
Other upcoming blood drives in the Jewish community include Kol Ami Synagogue on Sunday, Aug. 9, 8 a.m.-1:30 p.m. (schedule here), and the Tucson Jewish Community Center on Wednesday, Aug. 26, 7 a.m.-noon (schedule here).
