Find a Blood Drive
Find a Blood Drive
CARBONDALE, IL. (Sept. 24, 2019) — The American Red Cross and Southern Illinois University at Carbondale will host the 10th annual Homecoming Blood Drive Wednesday, Oct. 16 from noon to 6 p.m. at the Student Center Renaissance Room, 1255 Lincoln Drive, in Carbondale.
This blood drive is one of the largest one-day blood drives in Carbondale with a goal to collect 150 lifesaving donations. Everyone who presents to donate blood will receive a specially designed ‘I Bleed Saluki Maroon’ Homecoming Blood Drive T-shirt, while supplies last. In addition, all registered student organizations will be competing for the SIU Homecoming Blood Drive trophy. Students can earn points by attempting to donate, recruiting other people to donate on their fraternity or sorority’s behalf and volunteering at the drive.
“We are so proud to be a part of this historic celebration,” said Joe Zydlo, external communications manager, American Red Cross Missouri-Illinois Blood Services Region. “The students always show their Saluki pride by coming out to donate and volunteer. We always appreciate their support in our lifesaving mission and hope to have another successful homecoming blood drive.”
The Red Cross urgently needs donors of all blood types to give blood in support of kids fighting cancer, patients with sickle cell disease and others facing serious illnesses. Type O and B blood donors are critically needed right now. The Red Cross must collect about 13,000 blood donations every day for patients at about 2,500 hospitals and transfusion centers nationwide.
How to donate blood
Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org and using sponsor code SIUCHomecoming, calling 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. 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, before arriving at the blood drive. To get started, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Blood Donor App.
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.