Last week, the American Red Cross announced an emergency need for blood and platelet donations. Eligible donors of all blood types, especially O negative, A negative and B negative, are still needed to help ensure a sufficient blood supply for patients.
Additional ways to help
Spread the word about the urgent need for blood donations via social media outlets like Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Use the hashtag #GiveNow.
Participate in the Summer of Stories campaign. Visit redcrossblood.org/summer to watch videos of people whose lives have been touched by blood donors, then share your own story.
Learn more about Red Cross Blood Services in your community and how blood donors help save lives at redcrossblood.org.
PEORIA, Ill. (July 15, 2013) – The American Red Cross has an urgent need for blood donors of all types, especially O negative, A negative and B negative, as fewer donations than expected were given in the first half of summer. Every day donations come up short, less potentially lifesaving blood is available for patients in need.Type O negative blood is universal and can be transfused to anyone who needs blood. Types A negative and B negative can be transfused to both Rh positive or negative patients. Blood products can be used for cancer patients, trauma victims, organ transplant recipients, premature babies, sickle cell disease patients and more.
Hospital patients are counting on generous volunteer donors to step up and give now to help ensure a sufficient blood supply is available all summer long. Visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS for more information and to make an appointment.
Upcoming blood donation opportunities:
Carroll County
Aug. 1 from 11 a.m. to 3 pm at United Methodist Church, 1901 State Route 84 in Thomson, Ill.
Aug. 15 from 1:30-6:30 pm at American Legion Hall, 221 Calvert St. in Chadwick, Ill.
Clinton County
Aug. 2 from 1-5 pm at YWCA, 317 Seventh Ave. South in Clinton, Iowa
Aug. 9 from 1-6 pm at DeWitt Community Center, 512 10th St. in DeWitt, Iowa
Henry County
Aug. 5 from 2-6:30 pm at Sacred Heart Church, 108 N. Main in Annawan, Ill.
Aug. 14 from 2-6 pm at First Christian Church, 105 Dwight St. in Kewanee, Ill.
Mercer County
Aug. 7 from 2:30-6:30 pm at United Methodist Church, 15th and 18th Avenue in Viola, Ill.
Whiteside County
Aug. 1 from 9:45 a.m. to 4 pm at CGH Medical Center, 100 E. LeFevre Road in Sterling, Ill.
Aug. 6 from 8-11 am at River Bend Senior Center, 912 Fourth St. in Fulton, Ill.
Aug. 7 from 2-6 pm at American Red Cross, 112 W. Second St. in Rock Falls, Ill.
Aug. 12 from 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 pm at Prophetstown-Lyndon-Tampico CUSD 3, 79 Grove St. in Prophetstown, Ill.
Aug. 13 from 1-5:15 pm at River Bend Senior Center, 912 Fourth St. in Fulton, Ill.
Aug. 14 from 3-7 pm at Abiding Word Church, 806 E. Lynn Blvd. in Sterling, Ill.
Aug. 14 from 10 a.m. to 2 pm at American Red Cross, 112 W. Second St. in Rock Falls, Ill.
Aug. 15 from 1:30-6 pm at Carlson Acupuncture & Chiropractic, 2317 E. Lincolnway in Sterling, Ill.
How to donate blood
Simply call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org 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 (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 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. The Red Cross is supported in part through generous financial donations from the United Way. For more information, please visit redcross.org or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.
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