CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (December 27, 2018) - The American Red Cross and KFVS12 are once again encouraging area blood donors to roll up a sleeve this winter at the annual KFVS12 Winter Heartland Blood Drive Jan. 10-12, 2019 in Missouri and Illinois.
For over 20 years the Red Cross and KFVS12 have partnered up to save lives through blood drives in the summer and winter seasons. 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.
“KFVS12 has always stepped up to help the Red Cross at two critical times of the year,” said Garry Allison, Director of Donor Recruitment, Red Cross Missouri-Illinois Blood Services Region. “As we get into winter and the holiday season we continue to see fewer donors, and that is why it is always a challenging time for us. We hope the KFVS12 viewers and the community step up once again to help those patients in need.”
Everyone who attempts to donate will receive a $3 Subway gift card and a specially designed Red Cross T-shirt, while supplies last.
Blood donation opportunities:
Jan. 10-11
• Mount Auburn Christian Church, 930 N. Mount Auburn Rd., Cape Girardeau, Mo. 63701; 1:30-6:30 p.m.
• Veteran’s Airport, 10400 Terminal Dr., #200, Marion, IL. 62959; 1:30-6:30 p.m.
• University Mall, 1237 E. Main St., Carbondale, IL. 62901; 1:30-6:30 p.m.
• First United Methodist Church, 5th and North Main, Poplar Bluff, Mo. 63901; 1:30-6:30 p.m.
• Perry Park Center, 800 Park Drive, Perryville, Mo. 63755; 1:30-6:30 p.m.
• Harry Blackwell Dodge Showroom, 1660 W. Business US 60, Dexter, Mo. 63841; 1:30-6:30 p.m.
• Elks Lodge 2319, 349 Dona St., Sikeston, Mo. 63831; 1:30-6:30 p.m.
Jan. 12
• Mount Auburn Christian Church, 930 N. Mount Auburn Rd., Cape Girardeau, Mo. 63701; 10:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
• Veteran’s Airport, 10400 Terminal Dr., #200, Marion, IL. 62959; 10:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
• University Mall, 1237 E. Main St., Carbondale, IL. 62901; 10:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
• First United Methodist Church, 5th and North Main, Poplar Bluff, Mo. 63901; 10:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
• Perry Park Center, 800 Park Drive, Perryville, Mo. 63755; 10:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
• Harry Blackwell Dodge Showroom, 1660 W. Business US 60, Dexter, Mo. 63841; 10:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
• Elks Lodge 2319, 349 Dona St., Sikeston, Mo. 63831; 1:30-6:30 p.m.
Blood donors are urgently needed to give now to ensure patient needs are met in the coming weeks. Eligible donors with types O, A negative and B negative blood are urged 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 American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org and enter code: KFVS12 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 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, from a computer or mobile device. To get started and learn more, visit RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass and follow the instructions on the site.