Martha’s Vineyard Community Blood Drive on Tuesday, April 21

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This spring, the American Red Cross encourages eligible blood donors to make a difference in the lives of patients by giving blood on Tuesday, April 21, at the Portuguese-American Club in Oak Bluffs from 11:30 am to 4:30 pm at the Martha’s Vineyard Community Blood Drive.

Donated blood is perishable, and must be constantly replenished to keep up with the demand. Red blood cells, with a shelf life of only 42 days, are the most frequently transfused blood component, and are always needed by hospitals.

Eligible donors can give red cells through either a regular whole-blood donation or a double red-cell donation, where available. Double red-cell donations yield twice the usual amount of red cells in a single appointment, and are accepted at select donation locations. Double red-cell donors must meet additional eligibility criteria, which will be determined at the donation appointment.

Donors with all blood types are needed, especially those with types O negative, A negative, and B negative. Whole blood can be donated every 56 days, and double red-cells may be donated every 112 days, up to three times per year.

For additional information, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).