Red Cross Needs Donors during Thanksgiving Season

A decline in donations occurs from Thanksgiving to New Year’s Day when donors are busy with holiday activities and travel. Medical conditions and emergencies that require blood don’t stop for the holidays. 

Patients like 6-year-old Ava King will continue to need transfusions critical to their care this holiday season. Ava has Diamond-Blackfan anemia, which impacts her body’s ability to produce enough red blood cells. 
 
“We are so thankful for blood donors because Ava relies on blood transfusions every month to stay alive and thrive,” said Ava’s mother, Tina King. “It’s truly a gift!”

By giving blood or platelets, donors may give patients more time – and more holidays – with loved ones. Make an appointment to donate blood or platelets by downloading the free American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

The Red Cross is thanking those who carve out time to give Nov. 21-24 with a long-sleeved T-shirt, while supplies last.

Upcoming blood donation opportunities Nov. 16-30
Fellowship Baptist Church, 890 Senior Ave. Vienna, IL. 62995
11/19/2018: noon - 6 p.m.

First Baptist Church, Monroe and Jefferson, Golconda, IL . 62938
11/27/2018: 12:30 - 5:30 p.m.

Cross Road United Methodist Church, 1289 Ullin Road, Ullin, IL. 62992
11/27/2018: 2 - 6 p.m.

Fulton County High School, 2740 Moscow Road, Hickman, KY. 42050
11/16/2018: 7:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

American Legion, 211 S. 7th, Mayfield  42066
11/20/2018: 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.

First United Methodist Church, 210 S. Washington St. Clinton, KY. 42031
11/26/2018: noon - 6 p.m.

Livingston Hospital Health Care Services, 131 Hospital Drive, Salem, KY. 42078
11/28/2018: 12:30 - 4:30 p.m.

Woodmen Life, 1005 Poplar St. Benton, KY. 42025
11/19/2018: noon - 6 p.m.

Calvert City Elementary School, 563 E. 5th Ave. Calvert City 42029
11/20/2018: noon - 5 p.m.

North Marshall Middle School, 3110 Hwy. 95, Calvert City 42029
11/26/2018: 8:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Paducah Blood Donation Center, 4635 Falconcrest Dr., Paducah 42001
11/16/2018: 8:45 a.m. - 3:15 p.m.
11/17/2018: 7:45 a.m. - 2:45 p.m.
11/18/2018: 7:45 a.m. - 2:15 p.m.
11/19/2018: 11:45 a.m. - 6:45 p.m.
11/20/2018: 8:45 a.m. - 3:45 p.m.
11/22/2018: 7:45 a.m. - noon
11/23/2018: 8:45 a.m. - 3:15 p.m.
11/24/2018: 7:45 a.m. - 2:45 p.m.
11/25/2018: 7:45 a.m. - 2:15 p.m.
11/26/2018: 11:45 a.m. - 6:45 p.m.
11/27/2018: 8:45 a.m. - 3:45 p.m.
11/29/2018: 11:45 a.m. - 6:45 p.m.

To donate blood, simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

Blood and platelet donors can save time at their next donation by using RapidPass® to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, before arriving at the blood drive. To get started, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Blood Donor App.

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit RedCross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.