New app helps blood donors maximize their time

The American Red Cross launched a first-of-its kind Blood Donor App on Tuesday that allows users to schedule blood donations, track total donations, earn rewards and invite friends to join them. The app is free and available for download.

In addition to scheduling and managing blood donation appointments, other app features 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 experiences 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 teams, tracking their cumulative effect and viewing standings on the Blood Donor Teams Leaderboard;
• Exclusive offers and discounts from Shari's Berries, ProFlowers and 1A Auto, with new rewards added regularly; and
• Donor and blood recipient stories.

The Blood Donor App, along with others, can be found in online app stores by searching for "American Red Cross," visiting redcross.org/apps or redcrossblood.org/bloodapp, or by texting BLOODAPP to 90999 for a direct link to download. Message and data rates for texting may apply.