More than one million download Red Cross Blood Donor App to help save a life

WASHINGTON, April 5, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The American Red Cross announced today that more than one million smart phone users have downloaded its free Blood Donor App which resulted in approximately 988,000 blood and platelet donation appointments.

"The Red Cross greatly values our blood and platelet donors who take time out of their day to roll up a sleeve and help patients in need," said Shaun Gilmore, president of Red Cross Biomedical Services. "We can't fulfill this need alone, and want to ensure that we are equipping our generous donors with new tools like the Blood Donor App to give each individual the best donation experience possible."

Striving to provide an expedient and excellent donor experience, the Red Cross Blood Donor App enables users to easily locate blood drives, schedule donation appointments, track their total donations, and earn rewards.

"This app was the start of me donating blood and saving lives," commented one user. "I use it to smart schedule my next appointment so I don't have to calculate when 56 days is and it does it by distance, showing me the closest donation centers at that time."

The Red Cross released its first-of-its kind Blood Donor App in September 2014, which received a Webby Award in 2016. The free Blood Donor App is part of a Red Cross mobile app series created for both iPhone and Android platforms which also includes the popular Emergency App and First Aid App.

Download the app to schedule an appointment today 

During National Volunteer Month, the Red Cross encourages individuals to download the Blood Donor App and make an appointment to help meet the constant need for blood. Volunteer donors are the only source of blood and platelets for those in need of transfusions, and every day, the Red Cross must collect nearly 14,000 blood donations to meet the needs of patients across the country.

"It's awesome to see how one individual can make a difference in another person's life, and the app shows you that," another app user stated.

April is also a great time to volunteer to become a Red Cross blood drive sponsor with the critical summer months approaching. During the months of June, July and August, fewer people come out to give blood due to many schools being out of session, people taking vacations and other seasonal activities. Red Cross blood drive sponsors are critical in helping meet the need for blood and by offering convenient opportunities for blood donors to give.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, people can also visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-REDCROSS (1-800-733-2767).

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.

About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports 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 perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.

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SOURCE American Red Cross