The American Red Cross is calling on the community to start the fall season with a lifesaving act—donating blood. As the need for blood remains constant, donors of all types, especially O positive and B negative, are urgently needed to help support patients in hospitals nationwide.
From September 22 through October 19, 2025, all who give blood, platelets, or plasma will receive a $10 Amazon.com Gift Card by email as a thank-you for their generosity.
“Every single donation is critical,” the Red Cross emphasized, noting that transfusions are often essential for accident victims, people living with sickle cell disease, and cancer patients. “Blood can’t be manufactured—it can only come from generous donors.”
Upcoming Blood Drives in Northwest Georgia (Oct. 1–15)
Gordon County – Calhoun: Oct. 1, 9 a.m.–2 p.m., Gordon Central High School, 335 Warrior Path NE
Polk County – Cedartown: Oct. 6, 2–7 p.m., First Baptist Church, 144 Essex St.
Floyd County – Rome: Oct. 7, 2:30–6:30 p.m., Westminster Presbyterian Church, 1941 Shorter Ave.
How to Donate
Appointments can be scheduled by downloading the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS, or enabling the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa device.
Eligible donors must be at least 17 years old (16 with parental consent in some states), weigh at least 110 pounds, and be in good health. High school students and donors under 19 must also meet height and weight requirements. A donor card, driver’s license, or two forms of identification are required at check-in.
To save time, donors can use RapidPass® at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass to complete their health history questionnaire online on the day of their donation.
The Red Cross supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood supply and depends on volunteers and donors to carry out its mission.
For details, visit RedCrossBlood.org/Fall.
