Local Sports Calendar

Take action: Type O negative blood donors needed for emergencies

$10 e-gift card for coming to give May 1-19

Red Cross Blood Drives in the month of May: 

May 2^nd , Teutopolis Banquet Hall, 12:30-5:30, 210 South Pearl Street, Teutopolis

May 3^rd , Altamont High School, 8:15-2:00, 7 South Ewing, Altamont

May 5^th , Montessori Kids Universe, 11:00-4:00, 2201 Willenborg Street, Suite 8, Effingham

May 5^th , Cornerstone Church, 1:30-5:30, 3600 South Banker Street, Effingham

May 9^th , Altamont Elementary School, 2:30-6:30, 407 South Edwards, Altamont

May 9^th , POSTPONED, Effingham County Humane Society

May 10^th, North Clay Elementary, 2:00 – 6:00, Route 45 South, Louisville

May 10^th, Brownstown Elementary School, 2:00 – 6:00, 460 W South Street

May 11^th , The Glenwood, 11:00-3:00, 14061 East 1600th, Effingham

May 11^th, Ramsey Grade School, 2:00 – 6:00, 702 West 6th Street

May 16^th, Dutch Prairie Community, 1:30 - 6:30, 983 North 1300th Street, Shobonier

May 16^th, Vandalia Moose Lodge, 11:00 – 5:00, 328 South 3rd Street

May 19^th, Flora First United Methodist Church, 1:00 – 5:00, 103 East 3rd Street

May 22^nd , Knight of Columbus Hall, 1:30-5:30, 707 Van Buren, Newton

May 23^rd , Effingham Event Center (KC Hall), 1:00-5:00, 1501 West Fayette, Effingham

May 23^rd, Full Armor Christian Academy, 2:00 – 6:00, 600 Erwin Street, Louisville

May 24^th , Greenup Village Building, 12:30-5:30, 115 East Cumberland, Greenup

When every second counts, blood products can provide lifesaving care.  The American Red Cross asks the public to give blood or platelets during Trauma Awareness Month in May to keep hospitals prepared for all transfusion needs, including emergencies.  Type O negative blood donors are especially needed right now.

The power of type O blood

- Type O negative is the universal blood type and what emergency room personnel reach for when there is no time to determine a patient’s blood type in the most serious situations.

- Type O positive blood is the most used blood type because it can be transfused to Rh-positive patients of any blood type. 

- Red blood cells carry oxygen throughout the body and are often given to trauma and surgery patients. Type O blood donors are ideal Power Red donors, which means they can safely donate two units of red blood cells during one donation.  Now, more people are able to give a Power Red donation – the minimum height has changed to 5’3” for female donors.

Medical traumas can quickly deplete hospital blood banks.  Once patients are stabilized and their blood type is determined, they will receive a matching blood type, so it’s important donors of all types give now and help save lives by downloading the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org, or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

In thanks, all who come to give May 1-19, will receive a $10 e-gift card to a merchant of choice.  Plus, May 1-31, those who come to give will be automatically entered for a chance to win a trip for two to the 2023 MLB ®  All-Star Game ® in Seattle.  The getaway includes two tickets to the 2023 MLB ® All-Star Game ®  thanks to the support of Fanatics, round-trip airfare, four-night hotel accommodations, a $750 gift card and more.   Additionally, those who come to give May 20-31 will receive an exclusive Red Cross beach towel, while supplies last.*

How to donate blood

To make an appointment, 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.  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.

*Terms apply for all offers. See rcblood.org/team for details.