The American Red Cross will hold a blood drive at Mason Community Center on Thursday, Nov. 19.
The drive was announced by the Mason Community Center on social media. Specific hours for the event have not been posted.
The Red Cross is offering an incentive for fall donors. According to the Red Cross website, anyone who donates between Oct. 19 and Nov. 22 will receive a $10 Amazon gift card by email and 500 bonus points redeemable for an additional $10 e-gift card through the Blood Donor Rewards program.
The organization says donors of all blood types are needed to keep the supply reliable for hospital patients. Fall can be an unpredictable time for the blood supply, according to the Chattanooga Pulse, which reported on the Red Cross's national push for donations. When the supply is stable, blood products can be moved wherever they are needed, including during natural disasters.
To be eligible, donors must be at least 17 years old in most states, weigh at least 110 pounds and be in generally good health. Donors 16 years old may give with parental consent where allowed by state law. High school students and other donors 18 and younger must also meet certain height and weight requirements.
A blood donor card, driver's license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in.
Donors can save time by using the Red Cross RapidPass system to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online on the day of their donation, before arriving at the drive.
To schedule an appointment, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-733-2767 or use the Red Cross Blood Donor App.
