blood

Red Cross officials say all you have to do is rock and roll up your sleeve and give blood platelets or plasma in celebration of the new film Elvis.

The COVID-19 pandemic has kept many people from giving the gift of life and it's not getting any better.

Red Cross officials say while donors across the country have rolled up a sleeve to give this summer, the need for blood and platelets remains crucial for patients relying on lifesaving transfusions.

Schedule an appointment to give blood now by visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767)

Right now, hospitals are responding to an atypically high number of traumas and emergency room visits, as well as overdoses and resulting transplants.

To schedule a blood or platelet donation appointment, visit GiveBloodToGiveTime.org.

Red Cross officials say there's an added benefit if you give blood.

If you give blood and want results you'll receive the antibody test results within one to two weeks through the Red Cross Blood Donor App and the online donor portal at RedCrossBlood.org.

As a special thank-you, those who come to give by April 30 will automatically be entered for a chance to win one of five $1,000 e-gift cards to a merchant of choice.

If you do give blood, COVID-19 antibody test results will be available within one to two weeks in the Red Cross Blood Donor App or donor portal at RedCrossBlood.org.