The American Red Cross needs the public’s help to keep the blood supply steady. When a donor makes and keeps an appointment to give blood or platelets, they can help ensure trauma patients, those undergoing cancer treatment, and people with lifelong blood disorders can get the blood they count on.
Right now, the Red Cross especially needs type O negative, type O positive and type B negative blood donors, as well as platelet donors. Donors of all blood types can schedule an appointment to give by downloading the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
The American Red Cross is holding a September promo. Give hope, get a free Tee. Come give Sept. 1 through Sept. 18 for a new Red Cross T-shirt, while supplies last.
Also, give in September for a free haircut coupon by email from Sport Clips Haircuts! See rcblood.org/racetogive
Upcoming blood donation opportunities are listed below.
Marion County
Sept. 13, Christ Our Rock Lutheran High School drive, from 11-4, in the Christ Our Rock Lutheran High School gym, Centralia.
Sept. 21, Centralia Community drive, from 12-5, in the Centralia American Legion hall, Centralia.
Sept. 28, Battle of the Badges Centralia drive, from 12-5, in the Centralia American Legion Hall, Centralia.
Sept. 29, Salem High School drive (sponsored by the Salem HS Peer Helper), from 8:30-2, in the Salem High School gym, Salem.
Jefferson County
Sept. 6, Waltonville High School drive, from 2-6, in the Waltonville Grade School cafeteria, Waltonville.
Sept. 6, Bluford Community drive (sponsored by the Bluford HS Beta Club), from 1-5, in the Bluford Elementary School gym, Bluford.
Sept. 6, Dix Community drive, from 1-5, the Dix Community Center, Dix.
Sept. 14, St. Mary’s Parish Center drive (sponsored by the Mt. Vernon Knights of Columbus), from 1:30-5:30, in the St. Mary’s Parish Center, Mt. Vernon.
Sept. 18, Mt. Vernon Fire Dept. drive, from 12-5, in the Rolland Lewis Community Building, Mt. Vernon.
Sept. 18, Ina Free Will Baptist Church drive, from 1-5, in the Ina Free Will Baptist Church fellowship hall, Ina.
Sept. 22, Tri-County Electric Cooperative drive, from 12-4, in the Tri-County Electric Cooperative multipurpose room, Mt. Vernon.
Sept. 25, Bethel Grade School drive, from 2-6, in the Bethel Grade School cafeteria, Mt. Vernon.
Sept. 27, District 80 Mt. Vernon drive, from 1-6, in the Zadok Casey Middle School gym, Mt. Vernon.
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.
Amplify your impact — volunteer! 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.
