After a summer of declining donations, the American Red Cross needs the public’s help to prevent a blood shortage. When a donor makes and keeps an appointment to give blood or platelets in the weeks ahead, 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 Red Cross is teaming up with Warner Bros. for the theatrical release of Meg 2: The Trench to celebrate a summer of sharks and help stave off a summer blood and platelet shortage. All who come to give through Aug. 12 will be automatically entered for a chance to win a three-night New York getaway for two with a private shark dive adventure at Long Island Aquarium. Those who come to give throughout the month of August will also get a $10 e-gift card to a movie merchant of their choice. Details are available at RedCrossBlood.org/Movie.
Upcoming blood donation opportunities are listed below.
Clinton County
Aug. 4, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., Carlyle High School, 1461 12th street, Carlyle.
Aug. 7, 1 p.m. – 5 p.m., Hoffman Village Hall, 110 East Park Avenue, Hoffman.
Aug. 10, 12 p.m. – 5 p.m., Albers American Legion, 600 N Bertha Street, Albers.
Aug. 15, 12 p.m. – 5 p.m., American Legion Hall, 1105 Sycamore, Germantown.
Aug. 15, 12 p.m. – 5 p.m., St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 325 South Jefferson, Trenton.
Franklin County
Aug. 2, 12 p.m. – 5 p.m., Franklin Hospital, 201 Bailey Lane, Benton.
Aug. 7, 2 p.m. – 6 p.m., Whittington Church, 200 Main Street, Whittington.
Jefferson County
Aug. 3, 8:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., Crossroads Community Hospital, 8 Doctors Park Road, Mt. Vernon.
Aug. 11, 1 p.m. – 5 p.m., Campground Baptist Church, 16768 E. Fairfield Rd., Mt. Vernon.
Aug. 14, 1 p.m. – 5 p.m., Belle Rive Missionary Baptist Church, 401 South Main Street, Belle Rive.
Aug. 17, 12 p.m. – 5 p.m., Central Christian Church ministry building, Mt. Vernon.
Aug. 17, 1 p.m. – 6 p.m., KFVS 12 Mt. Vernon Media drive, Rolland Lewis Community Building, Mt. Vernon.
Aug. 18, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. KFVS 12 Mt. Vernon Media drive, Rolland Lewis Community Building, Mt. Vernon.
Aug. 21, 9:30-1:30, Rend Lake College, Ina.
Aug. 24, 12-5, Rolland Lewis Community Building, Mt. Vernon.
Aug. 27, 12 – 4 p.m., Company D/2 – 130 Infantry drive, Armed Forces Reserve Center upstairs classroom, Mt. Vernon.
Aug. 28, 2-6, McClellan Grade School gym, Mt. Vernon.
Marion County
Aug. 4, Centralia Elks Lodge drive, from 10-2, in the Centralia Elks Lodge banquet hall, Centralia.
Aug. 11, St. Theresa of Avila Catholic Church drive, from 1-5, in the St. Theresa of Avila Catholic Church Parish Center, Salem.
Aug. 11, Kinmundy Community drive, from 12-5, in the Kinmundy Community Center, Kinmundy.
Aug. 16, Salem Community Battle of the Badges drive, from 12-5, in the Salem Community Activities Center, Salem.
Aug. 16, Patoka Community drive (sponsored by Patoka Legion), from 1-5, in the Patoka American Legion Post #543 banquet hall, Patoka.
Aug. 22, Odin Public School drive, from 1-5, in the Odin Public School gym, Odin.
Aug. 24, St. Mary’s School Centralia drive, from 2-6, in the St. Mary’s School Centralia gym, Centralia.
Aug. 30, Trail Life Troop 262 and American Heritage Girls Troop IL 6288 drive, from 9-1, in the Salem Community Activities Center, Salem.
Washington County
Aug. 7, 2023: 12 p.m. – 5 p.m., American Legion, 533 East Legion Drive, Nashville.
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.
