Give the Best Christmas Present this Year: Give Blood and Give the Gift of Life

By Diane Lee, Public Information Officer, Garrett County Health Department

The Garrett County Health Department is hosting an American Red Cross blood drive on Friday, Dec. 15, from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Health Department’s office at 1025 Memorial Drive in Oakland.

“Giving blood is a meaningful way to show up for your community and make wishes come true this holiday season,” A Red Cross spokesperson said. “Schedule your blood, platelet, or plasma donation appointment today.”

Donors are urged to schedule an appointment now by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-733-2767, or calling Sandy at the health department at 301-334-7730 or 301-895-3111.

Participants who give blood from December 1-17 will receive a $10 Amazon.com Gift Card by email.

To donate blood, a person must be healthy, weigh at least 110 pounds, be at least 17 years old, (or 16 years old with parental consent form) and have not donated blood in the last 56 days. On the day of their appointment, donors can save up to 15 minutes at the blood drive by completing a RapidPass®, meaning they do the pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online from a mobile device or computer. To complete a RapidPass®, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Red Cross Blood Donor App.