Find a Blood Drive
Find a Blood Drive
QUINCY, Ill (May 1, 2018) — Give back with the American Red Cross, WGEM-TV and WGEM Radio for the 14th annual 12 Hours of Giving Summer Blood Drive Friday, May 25, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Madison Park Christian Church, 4700 Broadway St., in Quincy. All presenting donors will receive a Red Cross T-shirt, while supplies last.
May is Trauma Awareness month and the Red Cross urges eligible donors to give blood to help ensure a sufficient supply of blood is available for patient emergencies. Each year traumas account for 41 million emergency department visits and 2.3 million hospital admissions across the nation, according to the National Trauma Institute. A person involved in a car accident may need as many as 100 units of blood. Your donation can help save lives.
“Many people don’t understand the importance of having blood on the shelves, especially when the unexpected happens,” said Laura McGuire, external communications manager for the Red Cross Heart of America Blood Services Region. “You just never know when you or a loved one will be the one in need. I urge 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 2,600 hospitals nationwide.
“The Red Cross is grateful to the Quincy community for supporting patients by donating lifesaving blood,” said McGuire. “Blood drive after blood drive, generous donors roll up a sleeve and give the gift of life. Their efforts are appreciated and will help ensure area patients have the blood products needed.”
Blood donors of all types are needed. There is no substitute for donated blood products.
Those with types O, A negative and B negative blood are encouraged 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.
How to donate blood
Simply download the American 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 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 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.