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Red Cross hopes for increase in blood donations during breast cancer awareness month

Posted at 2:37 PM, Oct 08, 2019
and last updated 2019-10-08 16:37:10-04

Breast cancer is the second most common cancer in women.

This month, Red Cross encourages eligible donors to help fight the common disease by donating blood during Breast Cancer Awareness Month .

People with breast cancer often have a weakened immune system due to their treatment. To improve their immune system, they need blood or platelets, which are tiny blood cells that form clots to help stop bleeding.

Eligible donors are urged to make an appointment to donate at their nearest Red Cross locations.

“We often times will do something with the intent of bringing it to the awareness of the public, and this is definitely one of those times.” said Leanna Lecount, the Bozeman and Helena team supervisor for the American Red Cross.

“You can donate blood when you’re 17 in the state of Montana with parental consent, and from that point on, every two months you can donate," she added.

Click here to learn more about blood donation times and locations in Montana.