The American Red Cross launched a new online health history system for blood and platelet donors on Monday. The new system, known as Red Cross RapidPass, will streamline the donation process by allowing donors to complete pre-donation reading and health history questions online rather than in-person.
Red Cross RapidPass is expected to reduce the time donors spend at blood drives by as much as 15 minutes.
“When people come to donate, they are giving more than blood or platelets – they are also generously giving their time,” said Ryan Corcoran, director of donor recruitment, Mid-Atlantic and Appalachian Blood Services Region. “RapidPass is a simple, convenient way for Red Cross donors to make the most of their time while helping save lives.”
The implementation of new technology, such as the RapidPass, plays an important role towards encouraging more people to donate blood. Shortening the process for donating blood will hopefully lead to more people taking the time out of their day to donate blood.
To get get RapidPass on the day of a blood donation, donors should visit the RapidPass page here, complete all the necessary questions and then either print the RapidPass or show it on a mobile device when donating.
While an appointment is not necessary to use RapidPass, donors are still encouraged to make an appointment using the Blood Donor App, visiting redcrossblood.org or calling 1-800-Red-Cross to further expedite their donation.
The American Red Cross is an organization that prevents and alleviates humans suffering in the face of emergencies by mobilizing the power of volunteers and the generosity of donors. In addition supplying about 40 percent of the nation’s blood, the organization also works to: feed and provide emotional support to victims of disasters, teach skills that save lives, provide international humanitarian aid, and support military members and their families.
For more information, please visit redcross.org.