How do I donate blood?
The American Red Cross has a toll-free number that you can call to find
out about opportunities to give blood in your area. Call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE
(800-448-3543) for more information.
Potential donors may also log on to www.givelife.org
to learn more about blood donation and schedule a donation online.
How do I get CPR certification? The Red Cross offers a variety of health and safety courses from
infant CPR courses for new mothers to workplace first aid for employees
at a local factory.
Visit the Red Cross at http://www.redcross.org/services/hss/courses/
to see the classes offered. The Find Your Local Red Cross option on this
page allows users to enter their zip code to find their local Red Cross.
Once you enter your zip code, you will receive information, including
a phone number of the local office. Contact your local Red Cross to learn
more details about the health and safety courses they offer.
How do I get disaster services? The Red Cross offers a Disaster Information and Resource Center
Hotline for those who have been affected by a disaster. They provide information
such as shelter locations, safety tips, where and how to receive assistance,
referrals for health services, and information for families seeking loved
ones. Call the hotline at 866-GET-INFO for more information on disaster
services.
How do I determine if I am eligible to be a blood donor? The initial requirements to give blood include being healthy,
at least 17 years old, and weighing at least 110 pounds. You also need
to wait 56 days between donations.
After passing the initial requirements, donors will undergo an extensive
list of written and verbal questions pertaining to medical history. Each
donor receives a brief examination in which temperature, blood pressure,
pulse, and blood count are measured.
How do I learn about water safety? The American Red Cross offers several water safety classes for
people of all ages. Programs where toddlers and preschoolers develop
swimming
readiness, lifeguard classes, community water safety courses, and home
pool safety classes are a few of the choices Red Cross provides. Visit
http://www.redcross.org/services/hss/aquatics/sfp.html for a complete list of courses and descriptions. You can also plug your
zip code into the local Red Cross finder to locate the nearest chapter
where you can learn more about water safety.
How do I make sure that I'm prepared for a disaster? The American Red Cross has a page titled Family Disaster Planning.
There is wealth of excellent information here that will help you prepare
for a disaster. Material includes disaster supplies, water storage, evacuation
plans, four steps to safety and much more. Visit this page at http://www.redcross.org/services/prepare/0,1082,0_77_,00.html.
How do I become a tissue donor? To become a tissue donor, you must indicate your wishes on your
driver's license or with a donor card. It is also important that you discuss
your wishes with your family so they are aware of your decision.
For more information about tissue donation visit the American Red Cross's
Tissue Services page at http://www.redcross.org/donate/tissue/ or call 800-693-6272.
How do I sign up for a babysitter's training course? The American Red Cross has created a babysitter training course
designed for 11 to 15 year olds. The course covers safety and first aid,
diapering and feeding techniques, bedtime issues, and much more.
To learn more about the babysitter training class, visit the Red Cross
website at http://www.redcross.org/services/hss/courses/babyindex.html.
To enroll in this class, contact your local Red Cross (enter your zip
code on the previous link to find your local chapter).
How do I find the nearest local Red Cross Chapter? Simply visit http://www.redcross.org/where/where.html
and enter your zip code to find the closest Red Cross office. You may
also call 877-272-7337 to speak with a Red Cross representative who can
provide you with this information.
