Find a Blood Drive
Find a Blood Drive
PEORIA, Ill (Dec. 11, 2018) – Peoria’s WEEK-TV 25 News and HOI-ABC is partnering with the American Red Cross to ensure patients have the blood they need this holiday season. The station will host its Holiday Blood Drive Thursday, Dec. 27, from 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at 2907 Springfield Road, in East Peoria.
All who come to donate will receive a Red Cross long-sleeved T-shirt, while supplies last. Over the past 13 years, the WEEK-TV and HOI-ABC Holiday Blood Drive has collected over 1,300 lifesaving donations for local patients.
The winter months can be among the most challenging times of year for the Red Cross to collect enough blood donations. 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.
“We are very excited about working with WEEK-TV and HOI-ABC again this holiday season,” said Matt Pitcher, donor recruitment district manager for the Red Cross Heart of American Blood Services Region. “We know how important it is to keep blood inventory levels up and the best way for us to help is by partnering with our media to host this blood drive. We are inviting everyone to make giving blood one of their special holiday gifts this year.”
This blood drive comes as the Red Cross faces an urgent need for all blood products. 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.
Eligible donors with types O, A negative and B negative blood are urged to make a Power Red donation at this blood drive. Power Red donors give a concentrated dose of red blood cells during a single donation, allowing them to maximize their impact.
How to donate blood
Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org and enter code: WNWO 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 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, 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.