Find a Blood Drive
Find a Blood Drive
Sioux Falls community invited to donate during severe winter blood shortage
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — The American Red Cross has a severe winter blood shortage and has issued an emergency call for blood donors. To help reverse this shortfall, Hegg Companies will be hosting a Red Cross blood drive Tuesday, Jan. 31, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the Hilton Garden Inn, 201 E. 8th St.
“Supporting the lifesaving mission of the American Red Cross is a great fit for Hegg Companies,” said Chris Gaylord, general manager of the Hilton-Garden Inn-Downtown and Hegg Companies employee. “Our employees are committed to building stronger communities where they live and work. This is a great opportunity to get involved and help ensure there is a stable blood supply. It’s one of the important ways we give back to the community.”
All those coming to donate will be entered to win four tickets to a Sioux Falls Stampede game, courtesy of Lloyd Companies, and will be eligible to win a free night stay at the Hilton Garden Inn-Downtown Sioux Falls. CRAVE America will also offer a Chef Specials Menu during February and all proceeds will benefit the Red Cross.
The Sioux Falls community is needed to give blood now to help ensure patients continue to receive the lifesaving treatments they need. Right now, blood products are being distributed to hospitals faster than donations are coming in.
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 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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