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Red Cross Blood Drives - late July

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Friday, July 22, 2022by bdust

Blood and platelet donors needed

The American Red Cross reminds communities that patients are counting on the generosity of blood and platelet donors, especially around the Fourth of July. 

The Red Cross sees about a 21% decline in blood and platelet donations during holiday weeks, including Independence Day.  When blood donations drop, so does the blood supply, making it extremely challenging to ensure blood is available when hospitals need it. 

By scheduling and keeping appointments in July, donors can help provide for those in immediate need of lifesaving care.  To schedule an appointment to donate, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Upcoming Red Cross blood donation opportunities July 22-26:

7/22:  11:30 a.m. - 4 p.m., Effingham Public Library, 200 N 3rd St.  All donors will receive a Shark Week t-shirt at this drive.

7/22:  1 p.m. - 5 p.m., Knights of Columbus Building, 707 Van Buren, Newton

 

7/26:  1 p.m. - 5 p.m., Effingham Event Center, 1501 W. Fayette Ave.

Health insights for donors 

At a time when health information has never been more important, the Red Cross is screening all blood, platelet and plasma donations from self-identified African American donors for the sickle cell trait.  This additional screening will provide Black donors with an additional health insight and help the Red Cross identify compatible blood types more quickly to help patients with sickle cell disease.  Blood transfusion is an essential treatment for those with sickle cell disease, and blood donations from individuals of the same race, ethnicity and blood type have a unique ability to help patients fighting sickle cell disease.    

Donors can expect to receive sickle cell trait screening results, if applicable, within one to two weeks through the Red Cross Blood Donor App and the online donor portal at RedCrossBlood.org.  

Blood drive safety 

The Red Cross follows a high standard of safety and infection control.  The Red Cross will continue to socially distance wherever possible at blood drives, donation centers and facilities.  While donors are no longer required to wear a face mask, individuals may choose to continue to wear a mask for any reason.  The Red Cross will also adhere to more stringent face mask requirements per state and/or local guidance, or at the request of blood drive sponsors. Donors are asked to schedule an appointment prior to arriving at a drive.  

How to donate blood

Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enable the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device 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.

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