Atlantic hurricane season has begun, and the American Red Cross is urging individuals to donate blood or platelets to prevent disruptions in the blood supply. Natural disasters like hurricanes can halt blood drives for days, affecting the availability of lifesaving transfusions. The Red Cross emphasizes the importance of maintaining donation appointments throughout June, even as people participate in outdoor activities.
Blood donations have a shelf life of 42 days, making continuous contributions essential to meet medical needs. The organization highlights that Type O blood donors and platelet donors are particularly needed during the summer months.
June 14 marks World Blood Donor Day, while June 19 is World Sickle Cell Day. The Red Cross invites people to join in celebrating these occasions by donating blood or platelets. Appointments can be made through RedCrossBlood.org, by calling 1-800-RED CROSS, or using the Red Cross Blood Donor App.
Donors who give between June 1-30, 2025, will receive a $15 Amazon.com Gift Card via email and be entered into a drawing for one of two $7,000 gift cards. Terms apply; more information is available at RedCrossBlood.org/June.
Upcoming donation opportunities from June 16-30 include locations in Knox County such as Bladensburg Community Center on June 30 and Mount Vernon Developmental Center on June 18. In Licking County, donations can be made at St Edwards Catholic Church in Granville on June 20 and Newark OH Blood Donation Center on multiple dates.
