Find a Blood Drive
Find a Blood Drive
HASTINGS, Neb. (Feb. 13, 2017) – NBC Nebraska is helping the American Red Cross celebrate a century of service by hosting their second blood drive Friday, March 3, from 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. in Grand Island, Hastings and Kearney.
The first Nebraska Red Cross chapter was established in Omaha in 1917. With the support of volunteers and donors, the Red Cross has expanded across Nebraska to help countless people.
This blood drive comes at a critical time of year. Winter weather and seasonal illnesses have taken a toll on the blood supply. Hundreds of blood drives have been cancelled since the start of 2017, including dozens of drives in Nebraska. These cancellations resulted in thousands of pints of blood going uncollected.
NBC Nebraska news director Mark Baumert understands the constant need for blood. As a three-gallon donor, he gives because he knows it has a direct impact on others. “I always get a feeling of satisfaction whenever I donate because I know that one pint of blood can help up to three people,” he said.
Donors of all blood types are needed to help those fighting cancer, organ transplant recipients, accident and burn victims, and more. In addition to helping maintain a stable blood supply, eligible donors who participate in this event are helping celebrate and contribute to the lifesaving mission of the Red Cross both locally and nationwide.
To make an appointment to donate at one of the NBC Nebraska Tri-Cities Blood Drives, call 1-800-RED CROSS, use the free Red Cross Blood Donor App or visit redcrossblood.org and enter sponsor code NBC Nebraska. All who come out to donate will receive either a free Red Cross lunch cooler or duffel bag.
NBC Nebraska Tri-Cities Blood Drive
Friday, March 3
11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
YWCA, 211 E. Fonner Park Road, Grand Island
Evangelical Free Church, 2015 N. Saint Joseph Ave., Hastings
American Red Cross, 520 W. 48th St., Kearney
How to donate blood
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.
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