The American Red Cross urges people not to wait to make a lifesaving impact this fall.

The blood supply remains vulnerable after recovering from critically low levels during a summer blood shortage. Reserve a spot to give now. Visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS or use the Red Cross Blood Donor app to schedule a blood or platelet donation appointment.

Those who come to give through Sept. 20 will receive an exclusive Red Cross Hello Kitty plush mascot clip and surprise sticker pack, while supplies last.

Those who come to give Sept. 21-Oct. 18 will receive a $15 e-gift card to a merchant of their choice. Additionally, all who come to give Sept. 21-30 at Red Cross blood donation centers and mention the word “pickleball” to Red Cross staff or volunteers on-site can score a custom Red Cross pickleball paddle and ball while supplies last.

Leave a lifesaving legacy

The mission of the Red Cross Blood Services remains constant — and carries on today thanks to the innovation and leadership of Dr. Charles R. Drew.

This year marks the 85th anniversary of Dr. Charles R. Drew’s appointment as the first medical director of the Red Cross Blood Program.

To commemorate his lasting contributions, the Red Cross is releasing “Iconic Excellence,” a short documentary exploring Drew’s life and steadfast influence.

Beginning Sept. 18, the film will be available to stream on the Red Cross YouTube channel. Community members can help carry Drew’s legacy forward by donating blood or platelets, encouraging others to give or hosting a screening of the documentary to inspire lifesaving action.

Learn more and get started at RedCrossBlood.org/IconicExcellence.

Donor eligibility

All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in.

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.

volunteer

Another way to support the mission of the Red Cross is to become a volunteer blood donor ambassador at blood drives. Blood donor ambassadors help greet, check in and thank blood donors. Volunteers can also serve as transportation specialists, ensuring blood products are delivered to nearby hospitals.

For more information and to apply, contact Volunteer Services at 1-800-422-7677 or visit redcross.org/volunteertoday.

Blood drives around the area

Carbon County

Sept. 11, 12:30 p.m.-5 p.m.: Lehighton Ambulance, 516 Iron St., Lehighton

Sept. 24, 12:30 p.m.-5 p.m.: Blue Mountain Resort, 1660 Blue Mountain Drive, Palmerton

Sept. 24, 1:30 p.m.-6 p.m.: Carbon Masonic Lodge 242, 501 Center St., Jim Thorpe

Lehigh County

Sept. 16, 1:30 p.m.-6 p.m.: American Red Cross Pennsylvania Rivers Chapter, 3939 Broadway, Allentown

Sept. 26, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.: American Red Cross Pennsylvania Rivers Chapter, 3939 Broadway, Allentown

Monroe County

Sept. 11, 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m.: Chestnuthill Park, 221 Route 715 South, Brodheadsville

Sept. 12, 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.: Eastern Monroe Public Library, 1002 North Ninth St., Stroudsburg

Sept. 16, 1-6 p.m.: Faith Lutheran Church, 550 PA-940, Pocono Lake

Sept. 21, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.: East Stroudsburg Elks Lodge, 260 Washington St., East Stroudsburg

Sept. 25, noon-5 p.m.: Barrett Paradise Friendly Library, 6500 PA-191, Cresco

Sept. 26, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.: Lehigh Valley Hospital-Pocono Cancer Center, 181 E. Brown St., East Stroudsburg

Northampton County

Sept. 15, 11:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.: The Center Lehigh Valley, 529 East Broad St., Bethlehem

Sept. 17, 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.: Moravian University Bahnson Center, 60 W. Locust St., Bethlehem

Schuylkill County

Sept. 17, 1-6 p.m.: Jerusalem Lutheran Church, 252 Dock St., Schuylkill Haven

Sept. 23, 1:30 p.m.-6 p.m.: Fairlane Village Mall, 7211 Fairlane Village Mall, Pottsville

Sept. 28, 1-6 p.m.: Christ’s United Lutheran Church, 437 Airport Road, Ashland

Sept. 29, 1-6 p.m.: Trinity Lutheran Church, 300 W. Arch St., Pottsville