Roll up a sleeve, give blood and help ensure patients in the Peoria area and across the country have the blood products they need. Join the American Red Cross and students of East Peoria Community High School at the 14th annual Rock N’ Roll Up Your Sleeve Blood Drive Wednesday, July 15 from Noon to 6 p.m. at the Stoney Creek Hotel and Conference Center, 101 Mariners Way in East Peoria. Appointments are strongly encouraged to abide with social distancing guidelines.
Devin Boles a long time East Peoria resident and former student and current librarian assistant at East Peoria Community High School knows firsthand the importance of blood donation. She understands without the generosity of blood donors she would have not survived.
In September 2018, Boles had a nicked artery from a recent surgery and was losing so much blood her family needed to call 911. When arriving at the hospital she was in critical condition, she needed emergency surgery, but the medical staff could not move forward with surgery until she received blood products. After receiving seven pints of blood the medical staff went on to save her life.
She was young, health before the surgery with no previous medical history. She never dreamt that this would happen to her. She donated blood a few times in her life and knew blood donations were important, but blood donations mean something different to her now.
“You never know when yourself or a loved one might need blood,” said Devin Boles. “I know that I wouldn’t still be here without the generous donations. My family and I are forever grateful to blood donors.”
The Red Cross is now testing all blood, platelet and plasma donations for COVID-19 antibodies for a limited time, providing donors insight into whether they have been exposed to this coronavirus. Donors who help support the urgent need by giving at this drive will be able to view their results 7-10 days after donation through the Red Cross Blood Donor App or at RedCrossBlood.org.
Each Red Cross blood drive and donation center follows the highest standards of safety and infection control, and additional precautions – including temperature checks, social distancing and face coverings for donors and staff – have been implemented to protect the health of all those in attendance.
Donors are asked to schedule an appointment prior to arriving at the drive and are required to wear a face covering or mask while at the drive, in alignment with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention public guidance.
All presenting donors will receive a $10 Visa gift card (via email) courtesy of Suburban Propane, an entry into a drawing for one night at Stoney Creek Hotel and Conference Center East Peoria in a Theme Suite Room valued at $150, a coupon for one pint of Culver’s Frozen Custard and a coupon for East Peoria Chick-Fil-A, while supplies last.
“105.7 the X has always been a great supporter of the American Red Cross by playing a big role in this blood drive,” said Ellen Mickels, donor recruitment account manager for the American Red Cross Heart of America Blood Services Region. “Their efforts, coupled with the East Peoria Community High School students will help ensure that the shelves are restocked with blood products needed throughout the summer.”
Every two seconds in the United States blood is needed to respond to patient emergencies, including accident and burn victims, heart surgery and organ transplant patients, and those receiving treatment for leukemia, cancer or sickle cell disease. The Red Cross must collect nearly 13,000 blood and more than 2,600 platelet donations every day for the patients at about 2,500 hospitals nationwide.
Blood donors of all types are needed. There is no substitute for donated blood products.
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.
How to donate blood
Simply download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, schedule online, call 1-800-RED CROSS and use sponsor code: ROCKNROLL 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% 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.
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*Restrictions apply. Additional information and details are available at RedCrossBlood.org/Together.