34th Annual Super Donor Day

The American Red Cross has an urgent need for blood and platelet donors of all types to give now to help prevent a summer blood shortage. During the summer months, blood and platelet donations often do not keep pace with hospital demand. that’s why the American Red Cross is teaming up WBAY-TV and WIXX at the 34th annual Super Donor Day Blood Drive Wednesday, July 1 from noon to 6 p.m. and Thursday, July 2 from 6 a.m. to noon at Tundra Lodge Resort, 865 Lombardi Ave., in Green Bay. Appointments are strongly encouraged to abide with social distancing guidelines. 

All presenting donors will receive a Red Cross T-shirt, and a $15 Visa gift card via email, courtesy of Suburban Propane, while supplies last.

This drive comes as the Red Cross has an urgent need for blood donations to prevent another blood shortage as hospitals resume surgical procedures and patient treatments that were temporarily paused earlier this spring in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

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 ensure 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.  

The Red Cross has been hosting the Super Donor Days Blood Drive for over 34 years. “We are so grateful for the support of the community and for those who roll up a sleeve to help give the gift of life,” said Michelle Goodwill, donor recruitment district manager with the Red Cross Wisconsin Blood Services Region. “There’s no better way to enjoy summer than by helping the Red Cross maintain a sufficient blood supply.” 

During the summer, the Red Cross typically experiences a drastic decline in new donors and current donors often delay giving due to warm-weather activities and vacation plans, but the need for blood remains constant.

“Many people don’t understand the importance of having blood on the shelves, especially when the unexpected happens,” said Laura McGuire, communications manager for the Red Cross Wisconsin Blood Services Region. “You just never know when you or a loved one will be the one in need. I encourage anyone who is able to donate to take an hour out of their day and give back.”

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 more than 13,000 blood and platelet donations every day for the patients at about 2,500 hospitals nationwide. There is no substitute for donated blood products.

How to donate blood

Simply download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, schedule online, call 1-800-RED CROSS 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, 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% 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.