It's one of the few non-controversial health topics of late. Need is extra-high, and this 75-year-old gang of friends has come to the rescue.
Say you’re super passionate to donate to causes that are important to you, but your budget is tight right now. Many Americans relate. The good news is, as long as you’re feeling well, giving blood can be one of the most powerful ways you can make a difference in someone else’s life.
That’s true at any time, but it’s especially pressing right now, as Paul Sullivan, senior vice president of American Red Cross Donor Services, tells The Healthy by Reader’s Digest: “Late summer is always a vulnerable period for blood donation as routines shift with the end of summer, back-to-school, and fall sports, often causing blood donation appointments to decline,” Sullivan says. “At the same time, September marks the peak of hurricane season, which can also create disruptions—both big and small—to our ability to keep hospital shelves stocked with lifesaving blood.”
That’s why the Red Cross has partnered with a nostalgic cartoon gang. “In 2023, our collaboration with PEANUTS helped to welcome 14,000 first-time-donors in the first week and increase blood donation appoints by 40% in the same time period,” Sullivan says. It’s reported 75% of those donors were under age 34.
Once more, these two iconic entities have teamed up. Between August 29 and September 21, those who give blood with the Red Cross will receive an exclusive Red Cross x PEANUTS mystery bag with one of four special T-shirt designs, while they last. Donors won’t know which iconic design they’ll get until they open the bag. “These shirts became a sensation the first time around, and with PEANUTS marking 75 years of heart and humor, it’s the perfect moment to bring them back,” said Darren Irby, executive director of national brand partnerships for the American Red Cross. “We hope this celebration inspires even more people to give the gift of life.”
How to donate blood, with details from the Red Cross:
Simply 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 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.
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