During Childhood Cancer Awareness Month this September, the American Red Cross invites eligible donors to give blood to support children, teens and young adults battling cancer, as well as others in need of transfusions.
According to the National Cancer Institute, more than 15,000 children and adolescents in the U.S. are diagnosed with cancer each year. Childhood cancer patients may need blood products on a regular basis during chemotherapy, surgery or treatment for complications.
Blood and platelet donors of all blood types, especially type O negative and O positive, are urgently needed to replenish the blood supply following a critical summer blood shortage. Make an appointment to donate by downloading the free American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
Upcoming blood donation opportunities:
• Kersey, 2 to 6:30 p.m. Sept. 11, Fox Township Senior Center, 365 Main St.
• Ridgway, 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Sept. 14, Ridgway Central Hose Co., 30 N. Broad St.
• St. Marys, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 12, Moose Club Lodge, 30 Erie Ave.
• Weedville, from 1 to 6 p.m. Sept. 13, Weedville Wesleyan Church, 18945 Bennetts Valley Highway
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.
