JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (May 24) - When you donate blood with the American Red Cross, your donation could help patients in need get back in the game. Be a lifesaver by joining the Red Cross and the St. Louis Cardinals and give blood at the annual Missouri State Employees Blood Drive June 13-15 and 19.
Over the four days of the blood drive, employees have two locations to donate blood at in Jefferson City:
· June 13-14 and 19, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Truman Building, 301 W. High St., 4th floor Auditorium
· June 15, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at St. Joseph’s Cathedral, 2305 W. Main.
Everyone who attempts to donate will receive a specially-designed Cardinals T-shirt, while supplies last. In addition, presenting donors during lunch hours can enjoy complimentary pizza, provided by Papa John’s
The summer months come with travel and various activities that cause fewer donors to give blood. 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.
“I have always been a huge advocate of the Red Cross and their blood drives because the need for blood is constant, especially in the summer when people are thinking less of donating,” said Dexter Fowler, St. Louis Cardinals outfielder. “You can make a difference and help save lives. All it takes is an hour of your time. I encourage Cardinals fans and the entire community to come out and donate blood at this year’s blood drive.”
Donors of all blood types are needed. Those with types O, A negative and B negative blood are encouraged to make a Power Red donation. 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.
Every two seconds in the United States blood is needed to respond to patient emergencies, including accident and burn victims, heart surgery and organ transplant patients, and those receiving treatment for leukemia, cancer or sickle cell disease. The Red Cross must collect more than 13,000 blood and platelet donations every day for the patients at about 2,600 hospitals nationwide.
How to donate blood
Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org and enter sponsor code CARDS 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, from a computer or mobile device 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.