Red Cross, Dunkin’ Donuts team up for blood donation campaign

Date: 1/8/2015

DEDHAM – The American Red Cross and Dunkin’ Donuts are launching a new campaign this January to help increase donations and reward generous donors during National Volunteer Blood Donor Month.

Through the new “Dunkin’ Donors Make a Difference” campaign, all those who come to give blood or platelets in January at Red Cross blood drives in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont and parts of New York will receive a $5 Dunkin Donor Card.

“The ‘Dunkin Donors Make a Difference’ campaign and DD Card will give generous Red Cross blood donors more options when visiting our restaurants and appeals to the preferences of a wide variety of blood donors,” Benny Omid, Dunkin’ Donuts franchisee and Northeast co-chair of The Dunkin’ Donuts and Baskin-Robbins Community Foundation, said.

In addition, the DD Card features a Red Cross logo, is reloadable and can also be enrolled in the DD Perks Rewards program.

“The DD Card is a badge of honor for Red Cross blood and platelet donors both during the campaign and throughout the year,” Jeff Meyer, CEO of the Red Cross Massachusetts and Connecticut Blood Services Region, said. “Donating blood or platelets helps to save lives, and with Dunkin’ Donuts support, we can help ensure donations keep pace with hospital patient needs while recognizing blood donors for the heroes they are.

"This campaign reflects Dunkin’ Donuts’ steadfast commitment to the communities we live and operate in,” Omid added.

The Red Cross and Dunkin’ Donuts partnership has achieved great success during the past seven years by supporting the collection of approximately 562,000 blood and platelet donations during January, which is often a challenging month for donations due to winter weather forcing blood drives to cancel and seasonal illnesses temporarily keeping some donors at home.

Throughout the campaign, Dunkin’ Donuts franchisees will also participate by hosting blood drives, provide refreshments and encourage employees and customers to give blood.

Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767) to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients.

A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental consent in some states), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

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National Blood Donor Month recognizes the importance of giving blood and platelets while honoring those who roll up a sleeve to help patients in need.

It has been observed during January since 1970, and that’s no coincidence.

Winter is an especially difficult time to collect enough blood to meet patient needs. Unpredictable winter weather can result in blood drive cancellations, and seasonal illnesses, like the flu, may cause some donors to be unable to make or keep blood donation appointments.

Donors of all blood types are needed, especially those with O negative, A negative and B negative.

With a shelf life of 42 days, red blood cells must be constantly replenished to maintain an adequate supply for patients. Individuals who come out to give blood Jan. 1 through Jan. 4, 2015 will receive a long-sleeve Red Cross T-shirt, while supplies last.

To learn more about donating blood and to schedule an appointment, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767).

Upcoming blood donation opportunities in Hampden County include:

Ludlow

Jan. 12, 2015: 1 to 7 p.m., Ludlow Elks Lodge, 69 Chapin St.

Springfield

Jan. 9, 2015: 8:15 a.m. to 2 p.m., Springfield Blood Donation Center, 150 Brookdale Drive.

Jan. 10, 2015: 8:15 a.m. to 2 p.m., Springfield Blood Donation Center, 150 Brookdale Drive.

Jan. 11, 2015: 8:15 a.m. to 2 p.m., Springfield Blood Donation Center, 150 Brookdale Drive.

Jan. 12, 2015: 1 to 6:30 p.m., Springfield Blood Donation Center, 150 Brookdale Drive.

Jan. 13, 2015: 1 to 6:30 p.m., Springfield Blood Donation Center, 150 Brookdale Drive.

Jan. 14, 2015: 1 to 6:30 p.m., Springfield Blood Donation Center, 150 Brookdale Drive.

West Springfield

Jan. 9, 2015: noon to 5 p.m., Residence Inn, 64 Border Way.

Westfield

Jan. 8, 2015: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., City of Westfield Employees, 59 Court St.