ST. LOUIS, Mo. (Jan. 3, 2019) — The American Red Cross, the St. Louis Blues, FOX Sports Midwest and Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield encourage all donors to roll up a sleeve to help patients in need by donating blood Wednesday, Jan. 9 at the 12th annual St. Louis Blues Blood Drive. Fans will have the opportunity to donate blood at one of eight convenient locations in Missouri and Illinois from noon to 7 p.m. Everyone who presents to donate will receive a specially designed two-sided Blues T-shirt, while supplies last.
St. Louis Blues Blood Drive locations:
Missouri
- Ballwin Community Center, 1 Ballwin Commons Circle Drive, Ballwin, Mo. 63021
- The Heights, 8001 Dale Ave, Richmond Heights, Mo. 63117
- Meramec Arnold Elks Lodge, 1515 Miller Road, Imperial, Mo. 63052
- Favazza’s on the Hill, (Banquet Center) 5201 Southwest Ave., St. Louis, Mo. 63139
- James Egan Center, 1 James J Eagan Dr., Florissant, Mo. 63033
- The Hive 44 Event Center, 1730 Fenpark Dr., Fenton, Mo. 63026;
- Old Hickory (Banquet Center), 1 Dye Clue Drive, St. Peters, Mo. 63304
Illinois
- American Legion Post 365, 1022 Vandalia, Collinsville, IL. 62234
In addition, Blues mascot Louie and Blue Crew will be making stops at four locations. Below is their schedule:
Louie and the Blue Crew:
- The Hive – 12-12:30 p.m.
- The Pointe at Ballwin – 1-1:30 p.m.
- The Heights – 2-2:30 p.m.
- Old Hickory Banquet Center – 2:30 p.m. (Blue Crew only)
- Favazza's – 3-3:30 p.m.
- James Egan Center – 3:30 p.m. (Blue Crew only)
This year’s Blues Blood Drive comes as the Red Cross urgently needs blood donors of all types to give now to ensure blood is available for medical treatments in emergencies. The winter months continue to be one of the most challenging times of year for the Red Cross as many donors are busy with holiday activities, and inclement weather can force the cancellation of blood drives. Additionally, some donors become temporarily ineligible because of seasonal illnesses.
“Blues fans are passionate about their team and always step up to help by donating at this drive,” said Garry Allison, Director of Donor Recruitment, American Red Cross, Missouri-Illinois Blood Services Region. “We truly appreciate our partnership with the Blues and FS Midwest as they generously help us each year during a time when donations are hard to come by.”
Blood donors of all blood types, especially type O, are urgently needed to give now to avoid delays in lifesaving medical care for patients. Volunteer blood drive hosts are also critically needed to stop the shortage from continuing throughout winter.
How to donate blood
Appointments can be made by downloading the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting redcrossblood.org and entering sponsor code Blues or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). 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 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, from a computer or mobile device. 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.