Celebrate World Red Cross Day by donating blood in May

MADISON (WITI) -- World Red Cross Day is a time to recognize worldwide efforts advocating for the relief of human suffering, whether from disease, disaster, war or famine. It’s celebrated May 8th -- the birthday of Swiss businessman and social activist Henry Dunant, who founded the International Committee of the Red Cross in 1863. You can celebrate World Red Cross Day by donating blood.

The Red Cross is dedicated to helping people in communities large and small across the country, responding to natural and man-made disasters; offering health and safety training and disaster preparedness education; and assisting military members and their families.

About 40 percent of the country’s blood is also collected by the Red Cross, which meets the needs of patients at approximately 2,700 hospitals and transfusion centers nationwide.

Upcoming blood donation opportunities:

Dodge County

Fond du Lac County

Jefferson County

Kenosha County

Milwaukee County

Sheboygan County

Washington County

Waukesha County

How to donate blood

Simply call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org to make an appointment or for more information.

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 (16 with parental consent in some states), 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.