Find a Blood Drive
Find a Blood Drive
COLUMBUS, Ohio (Dec. 1, 2020) — The American Red Cross, WCMH NBC4 and WNCI 97.9 FM are teaming up to invite the community to resolve to be a lifesaver at the annual Blood Give-In Blood Drive Wednesday, Jan. 6, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Columbus Airport Marriott just off I-670.
The Red Cross seeks to collect 225 blood donations, making the Blood Give-In Blood Drive one of the largest blood drives of the year in Central Ohio. Those who come to donate will receive a free Red Cross long-sleeved T-shirt, and coupons from Subway, Graeters Ice Cream, Nothing Bundt Cakes and Midas, while supplies last.
This blood drive comes at a time of the year when the Red Cross typically sees a decline in the number of donations being made. Winter is a challenging period to ensure a stable blood supply. Inclement weather and cold and flu season can keep even the most dedicated blood donors away from giving a regular donation. Due to these challenges, January has been declared National Volunteer Blood Donor Month each year since 1972 to remind the community that the need for blood is constant and every day.
“This time of year, it’s important to remember that medical conditions and emergencies which require blood don’t stop for the holidays,” said Rodney Wilson, communications manager for the Red Cross Central Ohio Blood Services Region. “In the first weeks of the new year we often don’t see enough blood donors to maintain a stable blood supply for patients. We are asking people to resolve to be a lifesaver by giving blood to start your 2021.”
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 more than 13,000 blood and platelet donations every day for the patients at about 2,500 hospitals nationwide.
Blood Give-In Blood Drive
Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021
7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Columbus Airport Marriott
1375 N. Cassady Ave., Columbus, OH 43219
Important COVID-19 information for donors
The Red Cross is testing blood, platelet and plasma donations for COVID-19 antibodies. The test may indicate if the donor’s immune system has produced antibodies to this coronavirus, regardless of whether an individual developed COVID-19 symptoms. Red Cross antibody tests will be helpful to identify individuals who have COVID-19 antibodies and may now help current coronavirus patients in need of convalescent plasma transfusions. Convalescent plasma is a type of blood donation collected from COVID-19 survivors that have antibodies that may help patients who are actively fighting the virus.
COVID-19 antibody test results will be available within one to two weeks in the Red Cross Blood Donor App or donor portal at RedCrossBlood.org. A positive antibody test result does not confirm infection or immunity. The Red Cross is not testing donors to diagnose illness, referred to as a diagnostic test. To protect the health and safety of Red Cross staff and donors, it is important that individuals who do not feel well or believe they may be ill with COVID-19 postpone donation.
Each Red Cross blood drive and donation center follows the highest standards of safety and infection control, and additional precautions – including temperature checks, social distancing and face coverings for donors and staff – have been implemented to help protect the health of all those in attendance. Donors are asked to schedule an appointment prior to arriving at the drive and are required to wear a face covering or mask while at the drive, in alignment with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention public guidance.
How to donate blood
Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, schedule online, call 1-800-RED CROSS 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, before arriving at the blood drive. To get started, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Blood Donor App.
About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% 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.