There are 2,376 hours between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Can you spare some time this summer to help patients? Donate blood, platelets or plasma, and make it a summer full of life.

As more people schedule their vaccination appointments and begin to gear up for a return to some of their favorite summer activities, the American Red Cross is concerned about the impact this could have on blood donor turnout and the blood supply this summer. The need for lifesaving blood transfusions never takes a break. It’s critical to have blood ready to go when every second counts.

The Red Cross especially needs platelet donors this month to help meet patient needs. Platelets play a critical role in the treatment for millions of Americans fighting cancer and other chronic diseases as well as those recovering from traumatic injuries. Every 15 seconds, someone needs platelets. But like other blood products, they cannot be stockpiled. In fact, platelets must be transfused within five days of donation, so they are always in great demand.

Three reasons to donate in June:

• No wait needed after receiving your COVID-19 vaccine: As long as you are symptom-free, feeling well and can provide the vaccine manufacturer’s name, there’s no waiting period required after receiving a COVID-19 vaccine currently authorized in the U.S. Additional blood and platelet donation eligibility information is available at RedCrossBlood.org/Eligibility.
• Free T-shirt: Come to give blood, platelets or plasma May 28-June 13 and receive a limited-edition Red Cross T-shirt, while supplies last.
• Gift Card: Those who make it in to give June 14-30 will receive a $5 Amazon.com Gift Card by email, thanks to Amazon.

Don’t wait – make your appointment to donate. Appointments can be made by downloading the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enabling the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device.