MARC JACOBS
Hutch Post
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The American Red Cross is encouraging Reno County residents to donate blood during an upcoming series of community blood drives in Hutchinson later this month and into early April.
The Hutchinson Community Blood Drive will take place across multiple dates and locations, giving residents several opportunities to participate. The first drive is scheduled for Friday, March 27, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Park Place Church, 2600 N. Adams.
Additional drives will be held at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, 407 E. 12th Ave., on Monday, March 30, from noon to 6:30 p.m.; Tuesday, March 31, from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; and Wednesday, April 1, from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The Red Cross is urging donors to schedule appointments in advance through RedCrossBlood.org, the Blood Donor App, or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS. Participants can also use the RapidPass system to complete pre-donation questions online before arriving.
As an added incentive, those who donate blood during the month of March will receive a $15 Amazon gift card by email. Donors will also receive a free A1C test, which can help identify early signs of diabetes, with one result available per calendar year.
In addition, donors who give blood between March 30 and April 12 will receive an exclusive American Red Cross and Life is Good T-shirt, while supplies last.
Red Cross officials say consistent blood donations are critical to maintaining a stable blood supply for hospitals and emergency care. Community members are encouraged to “plant the seeds of hope” by giving blood and helping patients in need.