The American Red Cross has seen a concerning trend in past months with blood donations being sent to hospitals faster than they are coming in. Donors are asked to make an appointment to give blood or platelets now to avoid blood shortages during the summer months.
By scheduling and keeping appointments, 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).
August Promo: Along with Warner Bros. and MEG 2: THE TRENCH, the Red Cross is saying thanks with a chance to win a 3-night trip to NY with a private shark dive and more when you come give Aug. 1-12. Plus, come give in August for a $10 e-gift card to a movie merchant of your choice. Put it toward a summer blockbuster of your choice. Terms apply, see rcblood.org/movie.
Upcoming blood donation opportunities are listed below.
Marion County
Aug. 4, Centralia Elks Lodge drive, 10-2, in the Centralia Elks Lodge banquet hall.
Aug. 11, St. Theresa of Avila Catholic Church drive, 1-5, in the St. Theresa of Avila Catholic Church Parish Center – GUTH room.
Aug. 11, Kinmundy Community drive, 12-5, in the Kinmundy Community Center.
Aug. 16, Salem Community Battle of the Badges drive, 12-5, in the Salem Community Activities Center.
Aug. 16, Patoka Community drive (sponsored by Patoka Legion), 1-5, in the Patoka American Legion Post #543 banquet hall.
Aug. 22, Odin Public School drive, 1-5, in the Odin Public School gym.
Aug. 24, St. Mary’s School Centralia drive, 2-6, in the St. Mary’s School Centralia gym.
Aug. 30, Trail Life Troop 262 and American Heritage Girls Troop IL 6288 drive, 9-1, in the Salem Community Activities Center.
Jefferson County
Aug. 3, Crossroads Community Hospital Cardinals drive, 8:30-1:30, in the Crossroads Community Hospital conference center.
Aug. 11, Campground Baptist Church drive, 1-5, in the Campground Baptist Church fellowship hall.
Aug. 14, Belle Rive/Opdyke Community drive, 1-5, in the Belle Rive Missionary Baptist Church outreach center.
Aug. 17, Central Christian Church drive, 12-5, in the Central Christian Church ministry building.
Aug. 17-Aug. 18, KFVS 12 Mt. Vernon Media drives, 1-6 on Aug. 17, and 11-4 on Aug. 18, in the Rolland Lewis Community Building.
Aug. 21, Rend Lake College drive, 9:30-1:30, in the Rend Lake College South Oasis.
Aug. 24, Rolland Lewis Community Building drive, 12-5, in the Rolland Lewis Community Building.
Aug. 27, Company D/2 – 130 Infantry drive, 12-4, in the Armed Forces Reserve Center upstairs classroom.
Aug. 28, McClellan Grade School drive, 2-6, in the McClellan Grade School gym.
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.
A stable blood and platelet supply is critical to national preparedness. Additionally, as we approach the beginning of what is expected to be another active hurricane season, the Red Cross urges everyone to get ready now and consider becoming a volunteer to help people affected by the growing number of climate-driven disasters.
Support impacted communities by assisting at Red Cross shelters, using your professional skills as a licensed health care provider or becoming a member of the Red Cross Disaster Action Team. To learn more, visit redcross.org/volunteertoday.
