Find a Blood Drive
Find a Blood Drive
Entercom Madison joins the Red Cross for a day of lifesaving opportunities
Every summer has a story. Make this summer one to remember by helping to save lives with the American Red Cross and Entercom Madison at the 17th annual Beach Days Blood Drive Wednesday, July 5 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Sheraton Hotel, 706 John Nolen Drive in Madison.
This blood drive comes at an important time of year. Blood and platelet donations often decline when busy summer schedules and vacation plans can cause some donors to be less available to give. But, the need for blood remains constant.
During the months of June, July and August, on average, about two fewer donors schedule an appointment to give blood at each Red Cross blood drive than what patients need. This can add up to more than 100,000 fewer donations during the summer.
All presenting donors will recieve a Red Cross drawstring bag, a $10 Visa gift card and enjoy picnic style food, courtesy of Suburban Propane, while supplies last.
“The best way to celebrate this summer is to go out and give blood,” said Michelle Meekma-Yaun, account manager with the Red Cross Badger Hawkeye Blood Services Region. “There’s a need for blood of all types. A single donation could help save more than one life, so make your summer story a great one about giving blood and helping patients in need.”
Every two seconds in the United States blood is needed to respond to patient emergencies, including accident and burn victims, heart surgery and organ transplant patients, and those receiving treatment for leukemia, cancer or sickle cell disease. The Red Cross must collect nearly 14,000 blood and platelet donations every day for the patients at about 2,600 hospitals nationwide. There is no substitute for donated blood products.
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.