Red Cross Blood Drives Remain Open in Portland, Salem and Vancouver

Urgent need for blood and platelet donors call 1-800-RED CROSS.

(PORTLAND, OR) - Despite the tough winter weather conditions, the Red Cross remains open at main donor center locations in Portland, Salem and Vancouver. The Red Cross is asking donors to put their safety first, follow preparedness recommendations - and if able - to make their way to a donation location nearest to their home or workplace.

"Our donor centers will continue to operate because the need for blood does not go away with bad weather conditions," said Daphne Mathew, communications director for the Pacific Northwest Blood Services Region. "Victims of traumatic injury, cancer patients going through chemotherapy and those with chronic blood disorders must have lifesaving blood and platelet transfusions available; they simply cannot wait."

Feb 7 hours and blood donation opportunities:

7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Portland Donor Center, 3131 N. Vancouver Ave. Portland, OR 92227

8:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Salem Donor Center, 475 Cottage St Salem, OR 97301

8:00 a.m. to 3 p.m. Vancouver Donor Center, 5109 NE 82nd Ave Vancouver, WA 98662 - closest to Macy's at Westfield Mall.

How to donate blood

Simply call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org 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.

About the American Red Cross

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.