Find a Blood Drive
Find a Blood Drive
PADUCAH, Ky. (Dec. 17, 2020) – This holiday, the American Red Cross is encouraging everyday heroes to ring in the New Year with a lifesaving blood donation. Help share the warmth with patients by rolling up a sleeve at the Paducah Holiday Heroes blood drive Dec. 31 – Jan. 3 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Concord United Methodist Church, 5178 Hinkleville Road, in Paducah.
In thanks, all presenting donors will receive a long-sleeved Red Cross T-shirt and be entered into drawings for $25 gift cards each hour, while supplies last.
“December may be the season of giving – but it’s typically a challenging time to collect enough blood donations,” said Garry Allison, regional donor services executive, Red Cross Tennessee Valley Blood Services Region. “Add in a pandemic, and this year could be even tougher than usual for those receiving treatment for leukemia, cancer or COVID-19. Generous donors of all blood types can be a hero by helping ensure hospital shelves remain stocked this Winter.”
Important COVID-19 information for donors
The Red Cross is testing blood donations made at the Paducah Holiday Heroes blood drive 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.
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.
How to donate blood
Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org and enter sponsor code: PaducahCM call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) 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.