Find a Blood Drive
Find a Blood Drive
Local woman encourages others to resolve to give blood to help ensure a stable supply
SLEEPY EYE, Minn. — The American Red Cross urges people to share their good health and resolve to give blood regularly, beginning in January with National Blood Donor Month. Sleepy Eye residents will have the opportunity to donate blood at the Jan. 3 community blood drive held 12:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., at the Orchid Inn, 500 Burnside St. SE.
For one local resident, donating blood is a top priority. After complications from encephalitis, Sandy Lund now needs two crutches to walk but gives at every blood drive she can. Regardless of how difficult it might be for her to physically get to the blood drive she makes the effort saying donating is easy.
“Some people need a good wakeup call on the day of the blood drive if they can’t prioritize what’s really important to do,” said Lund with a smile. “Just do it! You never know when it might be a relative or a dear friend who is the one in need. By donating blood with the Red Cross you can help ensure blood is available when someone you know needs it.”
Winter is an especially difficult time to collect enough blood to meet patient needs. Extreme winter weather and seasonal illnesses, like the flu, may cause some donors to be unable to make or keep blood donation appointments.
This blood drive comes at an important time. Now and throughout the holiday season, the Red Cross has a critical need for blood and platelet donations to help ensure patient needs continue to be met. Individuals who come out to give blood Dec. 22 through Jan. 8 will receive a long-sleeved Red Cross T-shirt, while supplies last.
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.
###