Find a Blood Drive
Find a Blood Drive
ST. PAUL, Minn. — The American Red Cross urges eligible donors to end summer on a positive and potentially lifesaving note with a blood donation at the Great Minnesota Get-Together. The Red Cross will be at the Minnesota State Fair, Aug. 25-Sept.5, from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
The Minnesota State Fair blood drive comes at a critical time for the Red Cross. While thousands of people from across the country have responded to the emergency request for blood and platelet donations issued by the Red Cross in early July, eligible donors of all types are needed to give now to help ensure a sufficient blood supply.
“The Red Cross appreciates all those who have made it a priority to give this summer,” said Phil Hansen, regional executive, Red Cross Minnesota. “Right now, the Red Cross has less than a five-day supply on hand. It’s the blood on the shelves that help save lives in an emergency.”
Minnesota State Fair blood donation opportunities:
WHEN: Aug. 25 to Sept. 5 from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. every day - as a thank you, all who come to donate at the fair will receive a special Red Cross gift
WHERE: Outside of the Agriculture/Horticulture building, west of the Space Tower
HOW: Simply download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) and use sponsor code: MN State Fair to make an appointment. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in.
“Blood donation has become an annual tradition for many fairgoers,” added Hansen. “We are counting on the generosity of Minnesotans to pay it forward again this year and help those in need of lifesaving blood. Together, we can make a real impact for patients in need.”
The Red Cross must collect 14,000 blood donations every day to meet the needs of patients. Eligible donors are encouraged to make an appointment to give blood before and after the Labor Day weekend.
Those who donated blood earlier this summer may be eligible to donate again. Blood can be safely donated every 56 days and platelets can be given every seven days – up to 24 times a year.
How to donate blood
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, 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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