Help Save Lives

Resolve to Give Blood at a Red Cross Location Near You

National Blood Donor Month has been observed in January since 1970, and recognizes the importance of giving blood and platelets while honoring those who roll up a sleeve to help patients in need. The community is invited to help save lives by donating blood at the Cobb Red Cross Blood, Platelet and Plasma Donation Center at East Lake Shopping Center, 2145 Roswell Road in Marietta, or at another community blood drive scheduled in the area.

The winter months can be especially difficult to collect enough blood and platelets to meet patient needs. Inclement weather can result in blood drive cancellations, and seasonal illnesses, like the flu, can prevent some donors from making or keeping appointments to give. Blood donors with all blood types are encouraged to make an appointment to give.

Each Red Cross blood drive and donation center follows the highest standards of safety and infection control, and additional precautions — including face masks for donors and staff, regardless of vaccination status — have been implemented to help protect the health of all those in attendance. Donors are asked to schedule an appointment prior to arriving at the drive.

How to Help
To make an appointment, or to learn more about blood drive locations, 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. Completion of a RapidPass online health history questionnaire is encouraged to speed up the donation process. To get started, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass, or use the Blood Donor App.

A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years old (16 with parental consent), weight at least 110 pounds, and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood, according to Georgia’s regulations. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters, supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood, teaches skills that save lives, distributes international humanitarian aid and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, visit redcross.org  or  cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.

Key Messages
• If you’re feeling healthy and well, your blood donation is needed now to help meet the needs of hospital patients.
• The Red Cross continues to address a nationwide blood shortage. Donors of all blood types are needed to give now, to ensure blood is available when patients need it.
• A diverse blood supply is important. Donors of all ethnicities are needed. A patient is more likely to find a compatible blood match from a donor of the same race or a similar ethnic group.
• Help ensure blood is available to those with sickle cell disease when they need it. Blood donations from individuals who are Black are needed urgently to help meet the needs of patients with sickle cell disease. Find more information at RedCrossBlood.org/OurBlood.
• Eligibility questions? Call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit RedCrossBlood.org.

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Jan. 3
Northstar Church, 3413 Blue Springs Road, Kennesaw. 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

Jan. 4
Hillside United Methodist Church, 4474 Towne Lake Parkway Woodstock. 2:30-7:30 p.m.

Jan. 6
Cherokee Presbyterian Church, 1498 Johnson Brady Road, Canton. 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

Jan. 7
Orange UMC, 220 Orange Circle Road, Canton. 2-7 p.m.

Jan. 8
Good Shepherd Lutheran, 1208 Rose Creek Blvd., Woodstock. 8 a.m.-1 p.m.

Jan. 10
Woodstock First Baptist, 11905 Highway 92. 2-7 p.m.

Jan. 11
Kennesaw First Baptist, 2958 N. Main St. 3-8 p.m.
Legacy Park, 4201 Legacy Park Circle, Kennesaw. 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Wellstar Cherokee Health Park, 1120 Wellstar Way, Holly Springs. 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

Jan. 12
Kennesaw First UMC, 1801 Ben King Road. 2-7 p.m.

Jan. 13
Hickory Flat Fellowship Church, 5301 Hickory Flat Highway. 2-7 p.m.

Jan. 14
Canton City Hall, 110 Academy St. 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

Jan. 18
Canton American Legion, 150 McClure St. 12:30-5:30 p.m.

Jan. 20
Hickory Flat Fellowship Church, 5301 Hickory Flat Highway. 2-7 p.m.

Jan. 22
Woodstock Christian Church, 7700 Highway 92. 9 a.m.-2 p.m.

Jan. 24
St. Clements Episcopal Church, 2795 Ridge Road, Canton. 2:45-7:45 p.m.