Find a Blood Drive
Find a Blood Drive
The community is invited to join Western Illinois University’s Panhellenic, Interfraternity Councils and United Greek Council in ensuring area patients receive the blood products they need by donating blood at WIU’s Red Cross Blood Drive on Friday, Oct. 21, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., at WIU Union – Heritage Room 1.
Everyone who participates in the WIU Red Cross Blood Drive will be a part of making WIU history by helping to reach the largest blood collection goal ever set by the university – 150 donations. Participants will also receive a free T-shirt, while supplies last. DKMS will also provide attendees an opportunity to register as potential bone marrow donors at this event by completing a registration form and a cheek swab.
Donors of all blood types are needed; however, those with types O, A negative and B negative blood are encouraged to donate double red cells at this drive. During a double red cell donation, two units of red blood cells are collected while most of the plasma and platelets are returned to the donor.
Blood and platelets are needed for many different reasons. Accident and burn victims, heart surgery patients, organ transplant patients, and those receiving treatment for leukemia, cancer or sickle cell disease may all need blood.
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 to obtain 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, 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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