New bloodmobile dedicated as Red Cross issues call for summer donations
WICHITA, Kan. (July 12, 2017) — The American Red Cross Serving Kansas, Nebraska, SW Iowa has added a brand new bloodmobile to its mobile blood collection fleet. The new vehicle can collect up to 5,500 donations annually, expanding the ability of the Red Cross to collect blood across the entire state.
The newest addition to the Red Cross fleet was made possible by substantial support from the Dwane & Velma Wallace Foundation, Capitol Federal® through the Capitol Federal® Foundation and the Dane G. Hansen Foundation along with several other companies, foundations and individuals.
“The Red Cross is thrilled to add this bloodmobile to our fleet and to continue to make it more convenient for members, no matter where they are in the state, to give the gift of life,” said Jennifer Sanders, Executive Director of the American Red Cross in South Central and South East Kansas. “Thanks to the generosity of our donors, our biomedical staff and volunteers now can better support Kansas as we continue to collect and provide lifesaving blood to patients in need.”
The new Kansas bloodmobile offers an updated interior designed for greater donor comfort, with better climate control and a more open floor plan. Among the new features on the bloodmobile are three health history booths and five reversible donor beds. The reversible beds allow for either a right or left arm donation so donors don’t have to wait for a bed that meets arm preference. Donors can also enjoy TV and movies on monitors installed throughout the bus. The new blood collection vehicle will be used regularly at blood drives throughout the state. For more information on scheduling a Red Cross blood drive, click here.
Currently, the Red Cross is facing a critical blood shortage and has issued an emergency call for donors of all types to give now so patients can continue to receive the lifesaving treatments they need. Blood products are being distributed to hospitals faster than donations are coming in, and more donations are needed now to replenish the blood supply.
To donate blood
To make an appointment or for more information, download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). 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 must meet certain height and weight requirements.
About the American Red Cross
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 visit us on Facebook at facebook.com/KansasRedCross, or Twitter: @KSRedCross
