The American Red Cross is launching a first-of-its-kind Blood Donor App this week that puts the power to save lives in the palm of donors’ hands.
The Blood Donor App allows users to schedule blood donations, track their total donations, earn rewards and invite friends to join them on a lifesaving team. The new app is free and available for download now in app stores.
“The app makes it easier, faster and more convenient for users to schedule and manage their donation appointments, track the lifetime impact of their donations, and recruit friends and family to roll up a sleeve with them,” said Sara O’Brien, Red Cross communications manager.
In addition to scheduling and managing blood donation appointments, other features of the app include:
* A blood drive or blood donation locator
* The ability to sync a blood donation appointment with the user’s calendar
* Personalized “selfies” donors can use as they share their donation experience through social media
* Special badges donors can unlock as they interact with the app, make donations and spread the word
* A chance for donors to come together to form blood donor teams and track team results
* Donor and blood recipient stories that show the power of rolling up a sleeve to help save lives.
O’Brien said the Red Cross has become a leader in putting vital safety information in the hands of people who need it during emergencies, with its award-winning disaster and preparedness apps downloaded more than 5 million times over the past two years. The new Blood Donor App takes it one step further by helping people save lives through blood donations.
The Blood Donor App, along with the others, can be found in app stores by searching for American Red Cross or by visiting redcrossblood.org/bloodapp.
Eligible blood donors do not need a smartphone to schedule an appointment to give blood. Appointments can always be made by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or by visiting redcrossblood.org.
