Red Cross Blood Drive Coming Up In Needham Area

NEEDHAM, MA — The Red Cross urged people to donate blood as wildfires and record-breaking heat drive donations down. A projected busy hurricane season will likely shrink donations even further.

All types of blood donations are needed, but there is an especially large demand for Type O.

The plea for donations comes at a time when the country is experiencing high demand for blood transfusions. Hospitals are treating a high number of traumatic injuries this summer. Organ transplants and elective surgeries also increased the urgent need for blood products.

People who donate blood during August will receive a free four-month subscription to Apple Music (new subscribers only).

Below is the info for a Red Cross blood drive coming up in the Needham area in the next few weeks. You can search for additional Red Cross blood drives from a wider area here.

• 8/20/2021: 9 a.m. - 2 p.m., The Center at the Heights, 300 Hillside Ave (Needham)

Editor's note: This list was automatically generated using data compiled by the American Red Cross. The local blood drives included in the list are limited to those at the time the Red Cross data was pulled. Please visit RedCrossBlood.org for the most current listing of drives. Please report any errors or other feedback to [email protected]. Know of another blood drive coming up in your area? You can add it to the Patch calendar using this form.

People who have received a coronavirus vaccine can donate blood so long as they are symptom-free, feeling well and can provide the vaccine manufacturer's name, according to the American Red Cross. There is no waiting period after getting a vaccine dose.

In most states, donors need to be at least 17 years old, weigh at least 110 pounds and be in generally good health; some states allow 16-year-olds to donate with parental consent. Donors 18 years old and younger need to meet certain height and weight requirements.

Donors are asked to schedule an appointment prior to arriving at the drive. Appointments can be made via the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, online or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS.