MORGANTOWN — The American Red Cross is in need of blood and platelets, but officials remind all potential donors they must be healthy — and flu-free — to help.
One way to make sure you’re well enough to donate is by getting a flu shot, officials said.
Donors may give blood at any time after receiving the vaccination. The only requirement is he or she has no fever or symptoms of the flu.
Feeling fine and want to help out? You can make an appointment to donate blood by downloading the free American Red Cross Blood Donor App, online at RedCrossBlood.org or by calling 800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
As usual, all blood types are needed and welcome, particularly type O, the “universal donor.”
According to the Red Cross, recent natural disasters, including Hurricanes Michael and Florence, have led to a shortage in available blood by causing the cancellation of as many as 200 blood drive events.
There are several blood donation opportunities planned in the area from Nov. 1-15.
Monongalia County
1:30-7 p.m. Thursday: WVU Lyon Tower, Evansdale Drive, Morgantown.
11:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Friday: American Red Cross offices, 1299 Pineview Drive, Suite 300, Morgantown.
11 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Nov. 6: WVU St. John University Parish, 1481 University Ave., Morgantown.
11:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Nov. 9: American Red Cross offices, 1299 Pine-view Drive, Suite 300, Morgantown.
1:30-7 p.m. Nov. 9: Pierpont Church of the Nazarene, 52 Harner Run Road, Morgantown.
Preston County
1:30-6 p.m. Nov. 12: Union Ambulance Squad Hall, 23979 George Washington Highway, U.S. 50.
1:30-6 p.m. Nov. 15: Bruceton Fire Hall, Union Street.
Marion County
1-6:30 p.m. Nov. 7: Central United Methodist Church, 301 Fairmont Ave., Fairmont.
Taylor County
1:30-6 p.m. Nov. 2: First Baptist Church, U.S. 119 South Box 116, Grafton.
Harrison County
12:30-6 p.m. Nov. 7: Benedum Center, 164 West Main Street, Bridgeport.
8:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Nov. 8: Liberty High School, One Mountain Drive, Clarksburg.
How to donate blood
If you can’t make it to one of these scheduled drives, you can set up an appointment time that works for you by downloading the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, online at RedCrossBlood.org or calling 800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767).
A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required.
Donors must be at least 17 years old, weigh at least 110 pounds and be in generally good health. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.
