4th annual Lifesaver Blood Drives set for Aug. 3, 4 and 6

Help the Red Cross during an emergency shortage of all blood types

ST. LOUIS, Mo. (July 18, 2018) — Join the American Red Cross at the fourth annual Lifesaver Blood Drives Aug. 3, 4, and 6 at several convenient locations around the St. Louis and Southwestern Illinois areas.

This year’s Lifesaver Blood Drives come as the Red Cross faces an emergency blood shortage and is issuing an urgent call for blood and platelet donors to give now so patients can continue to receive the lifesaving treatment they need. Right now, blood products are being distributed to hospitals faster than donations are coming in. More donations are immediately needed to help replenish the blood supply.

“The Lifesaver blood drives were created to raise awareness of summer blood shortages,” said Lori Stone, district manager for the greater St. Louis area and Missouri-Illinois Blood Services Region. “This truly is a difficult time for us and we hope to replenish supplies ensuring hospitals and patients have the blood products they need to save lives.”

Clear your calendar to donate blood with the Red Cross at the Lifesaver Blood Drives. All presenting blood donors will receive a special edition Lifesaver T-shirt, while supplies last.

Eligible donors with types O, A negative and B negative blood are urged 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.

To view Lifesaver Blood Drive locations and to schedule your appointment, visit RedCrossBlood.org or use the Blood Donor App and enter sponsor code: LIFESAVER to schedule your appointment today. Below is a list of Lifesaver Blood Drives by date:

Aug. 3

·         Bunker Hill Municipal Building, 801 S. Franklin St., Bunker Hill, IL. 62014; 2-7 p.m.

·         Greater Alton Church, Youth Room, 506 E. Airline Drive, Rosewood Heights, IL. 62024; 2-7 p.m.

·         Knights of Columbus Hall, 700 Clearview Drive, Union, MO. 63084; 2-7 p.m.

·         Meramec Arnold Elks, 1515 Miller Road, Imperial, MO. 63052; 2-7 p.m.

·         Calvary Church, Atrium, 3898 Mid Rivers Mall Drive, St. Peters, MO. 63376; 2-7 p.m.

·         Carondelet Rec Plex, 930 Holly Hills, St. Louis, MO. 63111; 2-7 p.m.

·         JFK Center, Conference Room, 315 Howdershell Road, Florissant, MO. 63031; 2-7 p.m.

·         Kirkwood Community Center, 111 Geyer Road, Kirkwood, MO. 63022; 2-7 p.m.

Aug. 4

·         Dawson's Fitness Center, 1815 Delmar Ave., Granite City, IL. 62040; 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.

·         First Baptist Church of Oakville, Activity Center, 6741 Telegraph Road, St. Louis, MO. 63129; 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.

Aug. 6

·         Bourbon Community Center, 575 Elm St., Bourbon, MO. 65441; 2-7 p.m.

·         Sullivan Eagles 3781, 1000 Acid Mine Road, Sullivan, MO. 63080; 2-7 p.m.

·         Elks Lodge, 1325 S. Bishop Ave., Rolla, MO. 65401; 2-7 p.m.

·         Immanuel United Church of Christ, Fellowship Hall, 17510 Church Str., Marthasville, MO. 63357; 4-8 p.m.

·         Riverchase of Fenton, Missouri Room; 990 Horan Drive, Fenton, MO. 63026; 2-7 p.m.

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 2,600 hospitals nationwide. Donors of all blood types, especially type O, are needed to help those who rely on blood products.

How to donate blood

Simply download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) 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.

Blood donors can now 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. 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.