Find a Blood Drive
Find a Blood Drive
LOUISVILLE, Ky. – This holiday, the American Red Cross is teaming up with WLKY News to encourage everyday heroes to give a gift that can’t be bought in a store – the gift of a lifesaving blood donation. Help bring patients home for the holidays by rolling up a sleeve at the 42nd annual Holiday Hero Donorama Thursday, Dec. 26, and Friday, Dec. 27 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Ballrooms A and B, 830 Philips Lane in Louisville.
In thanks, all presenting donors will receive a complimentary Stoker’s Broaster Chicken meal, a long-sleeved Red Cross T-shirt and a poinsettia from Country Corner Greenhouse, while supplies last. Free childcare will be provided during the donation process.
“Over the past 41 years, Donorama has become a huge Louisville tradition for families, friends and organizations wanting to give the gift of life during the holidays,” said Cyndi Dahl, Red Cross Kentucky regional donor services executive. “This time of year, as many give gifts and spread holiday cheer, we’re depending on the compassion of our citizens to remember that patients in our community cannot survive without their generosity.”
As schedules fill with holiday parties, shopping and fun with friends and family, many blood donors delay giving. Unfortunately, that may lead to delays in treatments for patients relying on blood.
“From traumas to ongoing cancer and sickle cell treatments, the need for blood doesn’t stop,” said Dahl. “We want to do our part by making a lifesaving blood donation to help bring those patients home for the holidays.”
The 42nd Annual WLKY News Holiday Hero Donorama comes as the Red Cross has an urgent need for all blood types. Blood donors of all blood types, especially type O, are urgently needed to donate to avoid delays in lifesaving medical care for patients.
How to donate blood
Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org and enter sponsor code: HERO call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) 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.