The American Red Cross will host a blood drive at Newtown Congregational Church, 14 West Street, on Monday, September 16.

The event will run from 8:30 am until 6:15 pm. Walk-ins will be welcomed, and appointments are available by calling 800-RED-CROSS (800-733-2767) or online at RedCrossBlood.org.

The blood products on the shelves today are what help save lives in an emergency. Blood and platelets can come only from volunteer donors.

Blood is a perishable product. Red blood cells have a shelf life of only 42 days and platelets just five days, so they must be replenished constantly — there simply is no substitute.

According to the Red Cross, every two seconds, a patient in the US needs a blood transfusion; and blood products can be used to treat cancer patients, trauma victims, organ transplant recipients, premature babies, sickle cell disease sufferers and many more.

While thousands of people answered the call for blood and platelet donations issued by the American Red Cross earlier this summer, an urgent need remains.

Donors should be at least 18 years of age, weight at least 110 pounds, and be in generally good health.

The American Red Cross has teamed up with Monroe Muffler/Brake for a special offer for those who donate blood in September. Donors will be given a voucher good for two great offers from the automotive service company, the Extra Mile Service Package (oil and filter change, four tire rotation, wiper blades, and tire pressure check) for $19.99 and $60 off a set of four tires.

Boston Marathon Victim’s Story

Thanks to generous volunteer blood donors, the American Red Cross was able to send 600 blood products, including 88 platelets, to Boston area hospitals in response to the Boston Marathon tragedy. MBTA Transit Police Officer Richard Donohue, Jr was shot during in an intense gun battle with the marathon bombing suspects in April.

Officer Donohue required more than 46 blood products including red cells, platelets and plasma to help save his life. When he awoke from surgery, Officer Donohue remembers the doctor saying they gave him any and all blood products they had just to keep him alive.

“I am here today because of blood donors. I would not be alive if people hadn’t volunteered their time to give blood,” said Ofc Donohue.

His wife Kim was shocked once they arrived at the emergency room at Mount Auburn Hospital.

“I didn’t realize the amount of blood you go through in a trauma situation,” she said. “Just to see the boxes coming in was quite surprising. Luckily the blood products were already at the hospital. It was such a relief that it was already available thanks to the generosity of donors.”

After spending a month in the Intensive Care Unit and extensive physical therapy, Officer Donohue is walking again and continues to recover.

“I am forever grateful for the blood donors that helped save my life,” he said.