Find a Blood Drive
Find a Blood Drive
CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (Dec. 6, 2019) — Give something that means something – donate blood and help ensure patients have the blood products they need. Join the American Red Cross for the 13th annual Cedar Rapids Holiday Blood Drive Dec. 20, from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Marriott Hotel, 1200 Collins Road NE, in Cedar Rapids. This blood drive comes as the Red Cross faces an urgent need for blood.
All participating donors who attempt to help save lives at the 13th annual Cedar Rapids Holiday Blood Drive will receive a Red Cross long-sleeved T-shirt, while supplies last. A special thanks to KXEL News Talk 1540 and 105.7 Classic Hits Radio KOKZ, Cedar Rapids Associate of Realtors and Marriott for helping to promote this lifesaving event.
The community is invited to give the perfect gift and participate in a long-standing tradition of helping to save patients’ lives. Since the inception of the Cedar Rapids Holiday Blood Drive, area donors have provided nearly 860 donations.
“We would never be able to host such a successful drive without the incredible support of the community,” said Judi Faas, donor recruitment account manager for the Red Cross Wisconsin Blood Services Region. “Year after year, the community steps up to the call for blood donations which go toward helping to save lives. We are grateful for those who respond to the constant need for blood donations at such a critical time of the year.”
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.
Blood donors of all blood types, especially type O, and platelet donors are urgently needed to give now to avoid delays in lifesaving medical care for patients. Volunteer blood drive hosts are also critically needed to stop the shortage from continuing throughout winter.
How to Donate
Simply download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, 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.