CARBONDALE, Ill. (October 24, 2019) - The American Red Cross and WSIL-TV3 encourage the community to roll up a sleeve at the 11th annual WSIL-TV3 blood drive Nov. 15-16 at several area locations in Illinois. Everyone who attempts to donate will received a specially-designed Red Cross T-shirt, while supplies last.
For the past 10 years, the Red Cross and WSIL-TV3 have partnered to save lives and ensure patients have the blood products they need. Since 2009, the Red Cross has collected 3,971 lifesaving blood donations. This year’s drive is anticipated to collect over 4,100 donations. This blood drive comes at a time when the Red Cross has an urgent need for all blood types.
“I’m so grateful to WSIL-TV3 for working with us year after year,” said Ann Venhaus, Account Manager, Donor Recruitment of the Missouri-Illinois Blood Services Region. “Medical conditions and emergencies that require blood don’t stop during the year. By giving blood at the WSIL-TV3 Blood Drive, donors exemplify and expand a spirit of gratitude by helping ensure blood is available for patients throughout the upcoming holiday season.”
Blood donation opportunities:
Friday, Nov. 15, 2019
Saturday Nov. 16
Blood donors of all blood types are needed to give now at this blood drive 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. 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 Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org and enter code: WSIL, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enable the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device 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.
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.