The American Red Cross has launched a first-of-its kind Blood Donor App that, it says, “puts the power to save lives in the palm of your hand.”

Users can schedule blood donations, track their total donations, earn rewards, and invite friends to join them. The new app is free and available for download in app stores.

In addition to scheduling and managing blood-donation appointments, other features of the app 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 experience 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 impact and viewing standings on the Blood Donor Teams Leaderboard;

— Exclusive offers and discounts from some of America’s best brands, including Shari’s Berries, ProFlowers, and 1A Auto, with new rewards added regularly; and

— Uplifting donor and blood recipient stories that show the power of rolling up a sleeve to help save lives.

The Red Cross has become a leader in putting vital safety information in the hands of people who need it during emergencies, with its award-winning disaster and preparedness apps downloaded more than 5 million times over the past two years. The new Blood Donor App takes it one step further by helping people save lives through blood donations.

The Blood Donor App, along with the others, can be found in 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.

Eligible blood donors do not need a smartphone to schedule an appointment to give blood. Appointments may always be made by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or by visiting redcrossblood.org.