The American Red Cross has an urgent need for blood and platelet donations to prevent a shortage this winter. Busy holiday schedules in November and December contributed to about 1,700 fewer blood drives held across the country compared to the two previous months, which has resulted in about 50,000 fewer donations and reduced the blood supply. Donation appointments can be quickly and easily scheduled by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting redcrossblood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
“A decline in the blood supply after the winter holidays is not uncommon, but it can be replenished when generous volunteers roll up their sleeves to help save lives,” said Rodney Wilson, communications manager for the Red Cross Indiana-Ohio Blood Servies Region. “We encourage our generous donors who are eligible, as well as new donors, to make an appointment to give blood or platelets and help ensure blood products continue to be available for patients. Every two seconds a patient in the U.S. needs blood.”
Upcoming Blood Donation Opportunities in Marshall County include:
Wednesday, January 13th at the Argos United Methodist Chruch at 540 North Michigan Street from 12 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. and at the Triton High School at 300 Triton Drive from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.
On Thursday, Janary 14th the Red Cross will be at the Culver High School, 701 School Street from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.
And on January 27th from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Ancilla College, 9601 South Union Road in Donaldson.
How to donate blood
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.
Blood donors can now 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, from a home or work computer prior to arriving at the blood drive. To get started and learn more, visit redcrossblood.org/RapidPass and follow the instructions on the site.
