Red Cross 'Spring Into Action' Blood Drive

The American Red Cross is encouraging eligible blood donors to make a difference in the lives of patients this spring by giving blood. 



According to a news release, donated blood is perishable and must be constantly replenished to keep up with the demand. Red blood cells, with a shelf life of only 42 days, are the most frequently transfused blood component, and are always needed by hospitals. 



Eligible donors can give red cells through either a regular whole blood donation or a double red cell donation, where available. Double red cell donations yield twice the usual amount of red cells in a single appointment and are accepted at select donation locations. Double red cell donors must meet additional eligibility criteria, which will be determined at the donation appointment. 



Donors with all blood types are needed, especially those with types O negative, A negative and B negative. Whole blood can be donated every 56 days, and double red cells may be donated every 112 days, up to three times per year. 



To find a donation opportunity or make an appointment to give blood, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).



Upcoming blood donation opportunities: 



IL



Metropolis

4/17/2015: 9:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m., Massac Memorial Hospital, 28 Chick Street



KY



La Center

4/23/2015: 12:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m., Ballard County Cooperative Extension Office, 110 Broadway



Wickliffe

4/28/2015: 6 a.m. - 4 p.m., Verso, 1724 Fort Jefferson Hill Road



Murray

4/23/2015: 12:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m., First Presbyterian Church, 1601 Main Street

4/30/2015: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Murray State University Curris Center, Chestnut Street



Mayfield

4/21/2015: 11 a.m. - 5 p.m., American Legion, 211 South 7th

4/29/2015: 8 a.m. - 1 p.m., Mayfield High School, 70 Douthitt Street

4/29/2015: 2 p.m. - 6 p.m., Graves County Middle School, 615 Jimtown Road



Benton

4/20/2015: 1 p.m. - 6 p.m., Benton Elementary School, 208 West 11th Street

4/22/2015: 1 p.m. - 6 p.m., South Marshall Elementary School, 155 Sid Darnell Road

4/24/2015: 1 p.m. - 5 p.m., Sharpe Elementary School, 8400 US Highway 60 West

4/27/2015: 2 p.m. - 6 p.m., First Christian Church, 2515 South Main Street



Calvert City

4/21/2015: 1 p.m. - 6 p.m., North Marshall Middle School, 3110 Hwy 95

4/23/2015: 12:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m., Calvert City Church of Christ, 4625 US Highway 62

4/27/2015: 1 p.m. - 6 p.m., Calvert City Elementary School, 563 E. 5th Avenue



Paducah

4/26/2015: 11:45 a.m. - 3:45 p.m., Reidland United Methodist Church, 5515 Reidland Drive



Paducah Blood Donor Center at 4635 Falconcrest Drive is open:

Monday - 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Tuesday - 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Wednesday - Closed

2nd, 3rd Thursday of month - 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Friday - 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Saturday - 7 a.m. to 11 a.m.

1st, 4th, 5th Sunday of month - 7 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.



Paducah Apheresis (Platelet Donation) Center at 4635 Falconcrest Drive is open:

Monday - 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Tuesday - 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Wednesday - Thursday - Closed

Friday - 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Saturday - 7 a.m. to 11 a.m.

1st, 4th, 5th Sunday of month - 7 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.





How 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 (16 with parental consent in some states), 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.