As the American Red Cross responds to wildfires and historic hurricanes, eligible donors are reminded that giving blood during National Preparedness Month in September is one way to help ensure the Red Cross is prepared to respond to patient emergencies across the country every day.
Hurricane Irma has forced the cancellation of dozens of Red Cross blood drives in the Southeast, resulting in more than 2,100 uncollected blood and platelet donations. Natural disasters like hurricanes can disrupt blood drives and prevent donors from giving, but hospital patients still depend on lifesaving transfusions. Volunteer blood donors are the only source for blood products needed by hospital patients.
Individuals in parts of the country unaffected by Hurricane Irma are encouraged to give blood to help ensure a sufficient blood supply. All blood types are currently needed. Appointments can be made by using the Blood Donor App, visiting redcrossblood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS. To help reduce wait times, donors are encouraged to make appointments and use RapidPass® to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questions online, on the day of their donation, from a computer or mobile device at redcrossblood.org/rapidpass.
As a thank-you, those who come to donate blood through Sept. 30, 2017, will receive a coupon for a free haircut at participating Sport Clips locations. More information is available at redcrossblood.org/sport-clips.
Upcoming blood donation opportunities
Cloud
Glasco
9/21/2017: 12 p.m. – 6 p.m., St Paul’s Lutheran Church, Main and Haynes
_______________
Harvey
Hesston
9/25/2017: 11:30 a.m. – 6 p.m., Hesston Mennonite Church, 309 S. Main
_______________
Lincoln
Sylvan Grove
9/25/2017: 12 p.m. – 6 p.m., Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 308 North Indiana
_______________
McPherson
Canton
9/27/2017: 12 p.m. – 6 p.m., Community Center, 100 W. McPherson
Galva
9/16/2017: 7:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m., Sunflower School, 2192 Eisenhower
McPherson
9/26/2017: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., Central Christian College, 1200 S. Maple
_______________
Reno
Buhler
9/22/2017: 1 p.m. – 6 p.m., Buhler Wellness Center, 525 Parkside
Hutchinson
9/24/2017: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., VFW, 328 N Van Buren
_______________
Republic
Cuba
9/29/2017: 11 a.m. – 6 p.m., Community Center, 200 Baird Street
_______________
Saline
Salina
9/30/2017: 10 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., Salina Platelet Center, 120 W. Prescott
_______________
More information about how the Red Cross is responding to hurricanes Harvey and Irma, the western wildfires and other disasters is available at redcross.org.
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 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.
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 cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.
