Find a Blood Drive
Find a Blood Drive
BILOXI, Miss. (Aug. 15, 2019) – Blood donors are encouraged to help save lives at the 13th annual Hurricane Katrina Memorial Blood Drive Aug. 29 and 30 from noon to 7 p.m. at Edgewater Mall, 2600 Beach Blvd. in Biloxi.
The Red Cross encourages eligible donors to give blood to ensure communities are prepared to meet the diverse needs of all patients. Blood is 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. All presenting donors will receive a commemorative T-shirt, while supplies last.
“Disasters can strike at any time and blood donors can help hospitals be prepared should an emergency occur,” said Ronnika A. McFall, external communications manager of the Red Cross Alabama and Central Gulf Coast Blood Services Region. “It’s the blood on the shelves that helps save lives in an emergency.”
“If it wasn’t for blood donors, my son wouldn’t be here.” said Claudia Dubose. Dubose, Gulf Coast resident. Dubose went into premature labor and birthed her son who weighed one pound. Because of her son’s premature conditions, he was hospitalized in Mobile, Al. for nine months before his release. “It’s a blessing to have donors like you.”
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.
How to donate blood
For more information and to make an appointment to donate, download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) sponsor code: KATRINA. Donors of all blood types are needed. 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, from a computer or mobile device, 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 cruzrojamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.