FARMINGTON, Mo. (Oct. XX, 2018) — To help patients continue to receive the blood products they need, the American Red Cross is partnering with Regional Radio to host their annual blood drive Monday, Oct. 15 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Farmington VFW Hall, 814 E. Karsch Blvd., in Farmington and at the Jefferson County Family YMCA, 1303 YMCA Drive, in Festus. Regional Radio will be doing live interviews throughout the day at both locations.
Attendees can help save lives and receive a free specially designed T-shirt, while supplies last. Radio stations participating in the blood drive include KTJJ-FM, KREI-FM and KJFF-FM.
The need for blood is constant. On average, the Red Cross must collect more than 13,000 donations every day to meet the needs of patients across the country. Donors with all blood types are currently needed. The Red Cross is hoping to collect more than 200 lifesaving donations at this drive.
“We truly appreciate the continued support from Regional Radio and their listeners,” said Garry Allison, donor recruitment director for the Missouri-Illinois Blood Services Region. “Participation and support from the radio stations and their listeners make a big difference to keep the shelves stocked with blood products, and we look forward to another successful day at both locations.”
Donors of all blood types are needed to help ensure a sufficient supply for patients this fall, especially after Hurricane Florence and subsequent flooding forced the cancellation of more than 6,000 blood and platelet donations last month. As a thank-you, those who come to donate blood or platelets in October will automatically be entered to win one of five $500 gift cards redeemable at hundreds of merchants. Learn more at RedCrossBlood.org/GoForGoal.
Every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood. 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.
While all blood types are needed, 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 Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) and use the sponsor code: J98 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.
Donors can also 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.