Get into the spirit of giving with Red Cross: Blood or platelet drives

KENNEWICK/YAKIMA—The American Red Cross urges donors to give blood or platelets now to help curb a drop in donor turnout this fall. Donors of all blood types and those giving platelets are asked to book a donation time at a Red Cross blood donation center or community blood drive to help hospitals get the tools they need to care for patients ahead of the holidays.

As a thank-you, the Red Cross will give donors from Oct 27 through Nov 16, 2025, $20 gift cards and a chance to win one of three $5,000 prizes. See RedCrossBlood.org/harvest for more information.

November is National Diabetes Awareness Month. Understanding our health is the foundation for helping prevent chronic illness. Blood and platelet donations can be a part of that journey. The Red Cross will offer donors free A1C testing in November, a test commonly used to screen for prediabetes and diabetes. (One test result in 12 months; do not fast before donating).

To find and book an appointment for a blood donation drive in your area, go to RedCrossBlood.org and enter your zip code in the red “Find a Blood Drive” box in the upper right corner on the homepage.

Locations include multiple drives in Milton-Freewater, Pendleton, Walla Walla, Waitsburg, and Dayon.

Waitsburg

Nov 13: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Waitsburg High School

Dayton

Nov. 6: 11 a.m to 4 p.m., Dayton General Hospital

All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card, a driver’s license, or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states or 16 with parental consent, where allowed by state law, who weigh at least 110 pounds, and who are generally in good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger must also meet certain height and weight requirements.

 Blood and platelet donors can save time on the day of their donation by using RapidPass to complete a pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire before arriving at the blood drive. To get started, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/rapidpass or use the Blood Donor App.