Find a Blood Drive
Find a Blood Drive
ST. LOUIS PARK, Minn. – Help celebrate the American Red Cross’ century of service in Minnesota by donating blood at a community blood drive June 26 from noon to 6 p.m. at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Minneapolis – Park Place, 1500 Park Place Blvd.
To help celebrate the centennial milestone, the Red Cross Minnesota board of directors is hosting the blood drive in honor the men and women in uniform who serve our community. As a thank you, all those who come to donate will receive a commemorative T-shirt and one free ticket valid for entry to participating U.S. Cedar Fair parks, including Valleyfair, while supplies last. Tickets are valid for the 2017 season, and other restrictions may apply.
“We want to honor those who serve to help keep our communities safe and vibrant because they know firsthand how important it is to have blood readily available for emergencies,” said Phil Hansen, regional executive, Red Cross Minnesota Region. “The importance of giving blood is paramount as blood may be needed at any given time. It’s the blood on the shelves that help save lives.”
To schedule an appointment to donate at the centennial blood drive, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) and use keyword: ARC Blood Drive.
“One of the greatest ways we can honor the men and women who serve our country is by giving the gift of life through a blood donation,” said Johanna P. Clyborne. “Blood is needed every two seconds by someone in the U.S. and I thank everyone in the community who has given blood in honor of those who serve.” Clyborne is a brigadier general in the Minnesota Army National Guard. She is the first woman in the Minnesota Army National Guard to achieve that rank.
This blood drive comes at a crucial time, as the Red Cross sees a decline in blood donations during the summer months, especially around holidays. Blood donors of all types are needed to help avoid a summer shortage.
How to donate blood
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 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, prior to arriving at the blood drive. 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 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.
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