Find a Blood Drive
Find a Blood Drive
LOUISVILLE, KY. (May 15, 2019) – This Memorial Day, let the courageous sacrifices of our fallen service men and women inspire you to help save lives. Roll up a sleeve in remembrance of our nation’s heroes at the Holiday Hero Memorial Day blood drive Monday, May 27 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Kentucky Fair and Expo Center, West Wing, 937 Phillips Lane in Louisville.
For more than 130 years, the Red Cross has been dedicated to serving members of the
military, veterans and their families, and that commitment never waivers.
“Memorial Day is a good day to honor those military heroes who courageously died in active service to our country by giving blood to honor their memory and their sacrifice,” said Garry Allison, director of donor recruitment for the Red Cross River Valley Blood Services Region.
“While there are many ways to observe the holiday, giving blood is one of the ways our country has historically shown support to military heroes since World War II. By honoring our fallen heroes with a blood donation you’ll also have a chance to be a hero to hospital patients in need.”
Blood donated through the Red Cross is distributed to more than 2,500 hospitals across the country for patients in need, including patients at many U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs medical centers. With millions of Americans busy or traveling on Memorial Day weekend, the Red Cross often faces a steep drop in blood donations at the end of May. Help us make up for that gap and ensure that hospitals and patients have the blood they need this month.
In appreciation, all presenting donors will receive a free Red Cross T-shirt and a complimentary meal, while supplies last. Additionally, all presenting donors will be sent a $5 Amazon.com Gift Card* via email. Restrictions apply. Visit: RedCrossBlood.org/Together. While there is a $10 parking fee to enter the expo, all presenting donors will receive a refund sticker and be reimbursed upon exiting at Gate 2.
The Red Cross currently has a critical shortage of type O blood. Right now, and type O blood is being distributed to hospitals faster than donations are coming in. Type O donors ─ and donors of all types ─ are urged to give now to help ensure blood is on the shelves for patients when every second matters.
How to donate blood
Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org and enter sponsor code HERO 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 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.