Red Cross needs help with blood shortage; offers shark dive trip, $10 gift for donors

Shark Week gets people thinking about blood, an opportunity recognized by the American Red Cross, which hopes to get donors to climb aboard.

After a summer of declining donations, the emergency assistance agency says there’s a blood shortage. When a donor makes and keeps an appointment to give blood or platelets in the weeks ahead, they can help ensure trauma patients, those undergoing cancer treatment, and people with lifelong blood disorders can get the blood they need.

Donors can get an exclusive Shark Week T-Shirt now through July 31, timed with the Discovery Channel’s annual presentation of shark-related programs.

The Red Cross also has teamed up with Warner Bros. for the Aug. 4 theatrical release of “Meg 2: The Trench,” a sci-fi film about research divers put in peril by huge prehistoric sharks.

All who donate blood or platelets now through Aug. 12 automatically get entered for a chance to win a three-night New York getaway for two with a private shark dive adventure at Long Island Aquarium. Those who come to give throughout the month of August also will get a $10 e-gift card to a movie merchant of their choice.

Right now, the Red Cross especially needs type O negative, type O positive and type B negative blood donors, as well as platelet donors. Donors of all blood types can schedule an appointment.

How to donate blood

To make an appointment, 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 do your scheduling.

A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years old, 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.