JONESBORO, Ark. — KAIT Region 8 News and the American Red Cross are once again partnering up for the annual ‘Drive for Life’ blood drive on Jan. 13-15. This drive comes at a key time as there is a critical need for blood donations of all types to help patients in need.
The KAIT ‘Drive for Life’ blood drive originated in 2015 as a way for the station to help the Red Cross and give back to the Jonesboro area community. Over 600 units of potentially lifesaving blood were collected during the previous two drives, and this year’s drive should add over 300 more units to that figure. Each donation can potentially help save up to three lives.
Each year, the ‘Drive for Life’ falls at a time of year when the Red Cross often experiences a seasonal decline due to holiday activities, inclement weather and seasonal illness, like the flu that may cause some donors to become temporarily ineligible. All who present to donate will have an opportunity to meet KAIT news personalities, other notable figures from the community and enjoy a variety of great food donated by restaurants and local sponsors, all while giving a lifesaving blood donation.
Join the Jonesboro community in making blood donation one of your New Year’s resolutions. Come give hope to patients in need by giving at KAIT8’s Drive for Life.
Drive for Life:
Friday, Jan. 13 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Saturday, Jan. 14 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Sunday, Jan. 15 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
St. Bernards Auditorium
505 E. Washington, Jonesboro, Ar. 72401
All presenting donors will receive a free Red Cross T-shirt, while supplies last.
Blood donors of all 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. 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.
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 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.
###