LANSING — As the American Red Cross responds to wildfires and historic hurricanes, eligible donors are reminded that giving blood or platelet donations during National Preparedness Month in September is one way to help ensure the Red Cross is prepared to respond to patient emergencies across the country every day.

Hurricane Irma has forced the cancellation of dozens of Red Cross blood drives in the Southeast, resulting in more than 2,100 uncollected blood and platelet donations. Natural disasters like hurricanes can disrupt blood drives and prevent donors from giving, but hospital patients still depend on lifesaving transfusions.

Volunteer blood and platelet donors are the only source for blood products needed by hospital patients.

People may download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) 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 donors can now 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, prior to arriving at the blood drive. To get started and learn more, visit redcrossblood.org/RapidPass and follow the instructions on the site.

As a thank-you, those who come to donate blood or platelets through Sept. 30, 2017, will receive a coupon for a free haircut at participating Sport Clips locations. More information is available at redcrossblood.org/sport-clips.

Upcoming blood drives:

Cass County

Friday, Sept. 29

Noon to 5:45 p.m.

Dowagiac Lions Club

28606 Blue Bird St.

 

Berrien County

Thursday, Sept. 21

Noon to 5:45 p.m.

Our Lady Queen of Peace Church

3903 Lake St., Bridgman

Friday, Sept. 22

11 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.

United Methodist Church

144 S. Church St., Coloma

Thursday, Sept. 28

Noon to 5:45 p.m.

American Red Cross

3838 Niles Road, St. Joseph

 

Van Buren County

Monday, Sept. 18

Noon to 5:45 p.m.

Evangelical Mennonite Church

425 Nursery St., Lawton

Friday, Sept. 22

Noon to 5:45 p.m.

Federated Church

65418 Red Arrow Highway, Hartford