Find a Blood Drive
Find a Blood Drive
JONESBORO, Ark. (Jan.8, 2019) — KAIT Region 8 News and the American Red Cross are once again partnering for the annual Drive for Life Blood Drive Jan. 16-18, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at St. Bernards Auditorium, 505 E. Washington, in Jonesboro. This drive comes at a key time as there is an urgent need for blood donors of all types to help patients in need.
The KAIT Region 8 News’ Drive for Life Blood Drive originated as a way for the television station to help the Red Cross maintain a stable blood supply and give back to the Jonesboro area community. This year’s goal is to collect over 300 donations during the three-day drive. As in 2018, this year’s drive will be held at the St. Bernards Auditorium. All who attempt to donate will receive a Red Cross T-shirt, while supplies last, and have an opportunity to meet KAIT news personalities and other notable figures from the community. Donors will enjoy a variety of great food donated by local restaurants and sponsors, all while giving a lifesaving blood donation.
“We truly appreciate the support that KAIT Region 8 News has shown over the years,” said Garry Allison, donor recruitment director, for the Red Cross Greater Ozarks and Arkansas Blood Services Region. “We have an urgent need for blood donations at this time of year and this drive always comes at a key time.”
The winter months can be among the most challenging times of year for the Red Cross to collect enough blood donations. Many donors are busy with holiday activities, and inclement weather can force the cancellation of blood drives. Additionally, some donors become temporarily ineligible because of seasonal illnesses.
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 The KAIT Region 8 News Drive for Life Blood Drive. Blood donors of all types are needed. Those with types O, B negative, and AB 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
Schedule an appointment by calling 1-800-RED CROSS, downloading the Red Cross Blood Donor App or visiting RedCrossBlood.org and entering the sponsor code JonesboroDFL. Walk-ins are welcome. 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 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 RredCcrosBsblood.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.