Find a Blood Drive
Find a Blood Drive
EVANSVILLE, Ind. (Jan. 8, 2021) – Ring in the new year with the American Red Cross and Townsquare Media at the New Year, New Life Evansville Donorama Friday, Jan. 22 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the American Red Cross Southwest Chapter, 29 S. Stockwell Road, in Evansville.
The winter months are traditionally a challenging time for blood donation. Inclement weather, seasonal illness along with the coronavirus pandemic can cause low donor turnout and even cancellations of blood drives.
“Health emergencies don’t pause for holidays or a pandemic – blood is needed every two seconds in the U.S. to help patients battling injury and illness,” said Cyndi Dahl, director of donor recruitment for the Red Cross River Valley Blood Services Region. “As COVID-19 cases rise across the U.S., so has the need for blood and convalescent plasma. Plasma from whole blood donations made at the New Year, New Life Evansville Donorama that test positive for COVID-19 antibodies may be used to help COVID-19 patients recover.”
National Blood Donor Month is the perfect time to celebrate the lifesaving impact of blood donors in our community. The Red Cross and the NFL are partnering this January to urge individuals – especially those who have recovered from COVID-19 – to give blood and to help tackle the national convalescent plasma shortage. Those who come to give blood, platelets or plasma in January 2021 will automatically be entered for a chance to win a getaway to the 2022 Super Bowl LVI in Los Angeles. Terms apply; visit RedCrossBlood.org/SuperBowl for more information.
Blood donation safety precautions
To protect the health and safety of Red Cross staff and donors, individuals who do not feel well or who believe they may be ill with COVID-19 should postpone their donation.
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 help 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.
How to donate blood
Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org and enter sponsor code: Donorama 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% 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.