What can I do to support a family member who has cancer?

As a result of their underlying disease or treatments, cancer patients often are not able to produce the various components of whole blood in sufficient quantity. While they may require many of the components of blood, platelets, which act as the body's "bandage" as they clot blood and stop bleeding, are of particular need. Because blood is perishable and platelets can be stored for only 5 days from the time they are collected, new donations are needed every day.

Blood drives are held 7 days a week in communities where you live and work across Connecticut. To find a blood drive near you, call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE or visit the Red Cross website. Whole blood donations can be made every 56 days.

Apheresis is the process of removing a specific component of the blood, such as platelets, and returning the remaining components (red blood cells and plasma) to the donor. This process allows five to eight times more platelets to be collected than could be separated from one regular blood donation. For more information regarding platelet donations, please call 860-678-2749. Platelet donors only need to wait 3 days before they are eligible to donate again.

Volunteers are the heart and soul of the American Red Cross Blood Services. For those who like working with people one-on-one, working at a blood drive might be to your liking. Volunteers are needed to register donors, serve after-donation refreshments and help out in other ways, both at our donor centers and at bloodmobiles. No matter what your talents and interests may be, chances are there's a volunteer opportunity for you. Please call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE for more information on volunteer opportunities.