Find a Blood Drive
Find a Blood Drive
COLUMBIA, Mo. (Sept. 10, 2019) — As part of the 108th Mizzou Homecoming celebration, the University of Missouri and the American Red Cross are once again teaming up for the 34th consecutive year to help save lives through blood donations.
‘Lights, Camera, Take Action’ by donating blood at the Homecoming Blood Drive Sept. 30 to Oct. 3 at the University’s Hearnes Center Fieldhouse from 11 a.m. until 7 p.m. daily. Everyone who attempts to donate will receive a Homecoming-themed, ‘Lights, Camera, Take Action’ blood drive T-shirt, while supplies last.
This year 4,000 donations are expected, topping last year’s figure of 3,671. Over 128,700 pints of blood have been collected in the previous 33 years the Red Cross and the University of Missouri have hosted the Homecoming Blood Drive. All blood types are needed at this year’s drive, and blood donations can be used to help patients across the Red Cross Missouri-Illinois Blood Services Region and beyond. This continues to be the largest collegiate blood drive in the country.
“This is such an incredible event with the students, faculty and Columbia community always stepping up to donate at this blood drive,” said Joe Zydlo, External Communications Manager, Red Cross Missouri-Illinois Blood Services Region. “We are so grateful to the University and the student volunteers, especially our student leadership team, who play such a vital role in making this Homecoming blood drive one the most successful in the country every year.”
Local sponsors have once again stepped up and generously donated items for this blood drive including, Andy’s Frozen Custard, Insomnia Cookies, Pickleman’s Deli, D Rowe’s, Lee’s Famous Chicken and B&B Bagels.
Those with types O, A negative and B negative blood are encouraged to make a Power Red donation at this blood drive. Power Red donors give a concentrated dose of red blood cells during a single donation, allowing them to maximize their impact. During this type of donation, red blood cells are separated from other blood components, and the plasma and platelets are safely and comfortably returned to the donor.
Every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood. Accident and burn victims, heart surgery patients, organ transplant patients, and those receiving treatment for leukemia, cancer or sickle cell disease may all need blood.
How to donate blood
To schedule an appointment to give at the Homecoming Blood Drive, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, call 1-800-RED CROSS or visit RedCrossBlood.org and enter sponsor code MIZZOU. 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.
Blood and platelet donors can save time at their next donation by using RapidPass to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, from a computer or mobile device. To get started and learn more, visit RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass and follow the instructions on the site.
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.