JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (June 29, 2020) — It’s Time To Fly and that means rolling up a sleeve and helping us save lives. Zimmer Radio and Marketing Group, the St. Louis Cardinals and the American Red Cross invite the community to donate blood at the ninth annual St. Louis Cardinals Blood Drive, Tuesday, July 28. Everyone who attempts to donate will receive a specially designed St. Louis Cardinals T-shirt, while supplies last.
The St. Louis Cardinals Blood Drive always comes at a critical time of year, but this year has presented new challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Those who have a desire to help others can step up to the plate and help save lives by participating in this year’s event. There are two locations associated with this year’s drive, including a brand new location at the Firley YMCA gym.
Since its inception in 2012, over 1,000 blood donations have been collected at this annual blood drive. This year we anticipate to collect more than 120 lifesaving donations.
9th Annual Zimmer Radio and Marketing Group St. Louis Cardinals Blood Drive:
Tuesday, July 28:
· 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Central United Church of Christ, 118 Ashley St., Jefferson City, Mo.
· 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Firley YMCA, 525 Ellis Blvd., Jefferson City, Mo.
The Red Cross is testing all blood, platelet and plasma donations for COVID-19 antibodies for a limited time, providing donors insight into whether they have been exposed to the coronavirus. Donors who help support the urgent need by giving at this drive will be able to view their results 7-10 days after donation through the Red Cross Blood Donor App or at RedCrossBlood.org.
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 protect the health of all those in attendance.
Donors of all blood types are needed at this year’s St. Louis Cardinals Blood Drive. 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. During this type of donation, red blood cells are separated from other blood components, and the plasma and platelets are safely and comfortably returned to the donor.
Donated blood may be used to help accident victims, surgery patients, organ transplant patients, and those receiving treatment for leukemia, cancer or sickle cell disease. There is no substitute for donated blood products. Each day, the Red Cross must collect nearly 13,000 blood donations to meet the needs of patients at approximately 2,500 hospitals across the country.
How to donate blood
Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, schedule online, call 1-800-RED CROSS or enable the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device 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.