Find a Blood Drive
Find a Blood Drive
American Red Cross is grateful for generous donors during this critical period
Wheeling, WV (Jan. 26, 2017) — The 31st Annual Ohio Valley Media Day on Monday, Jan. 23 at WesBanco Arena saw more than 200 generous donors roll up a sleeve to give blood. By the end of the day, 246 units of blood were collected.
The Ohio Valley Media Day blood drive began in 1985 and is sponsored by Wheeling area media outlets. It is one of the largest one-day blood drives in the Greater Alleghenies Blood Services Region.
Ron, who has been donating blood for 20 years, came out to donate with his daughter Jamie, an active Red Cross volunteer.
“I know [the blood] goes to good people,” Ron said. “I’m glad to help somebody.”
Donors received a special Media Day t-shirt and generous corporate sponsors provided donors with free food and great giveaways.
Blood products are needed for many different reasons. Accident and burn victims, heart surgery patients, organ transplant patients, and those receiving treatment for leukemia, cancer or sickle cell disease may all need blood.
The Red Cross is grateful for generous donors and volunteers, especially during this critical time. Blood products continue to go to hospitals faster than they are being collected. Eligible donors are urged to give blood and help meet the critical need.
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 (16 with parental consent in some states), 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.