Western Kentucky University and American Red Cross call all ‘Heroes on the Hill’ to give blood during annual Greek Week.

BOWLING GREEN, KY. (April 8, 2019) — Western Kentucky University (WKU) students and the Bowling Green community are encouraging all ‘Heroes on the Hill’ to help save lives at a three-day blood drive with the American Red Cross. The annual WKU Greek Week blood drive will be held April 22-24, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the Preston Center (Basketball Courts), 1906 College Heights Blvd. in Bowling Green. Community donor parking is available outside the Preston Center on University Blvd.

Volunteer donors are the only source of blood products for those in need of transfusions, and donating blood is a simple way to make a lifesaving difference. The Red Cross has a critical need for type O blood donations and urges type O donors – as well as eligible donors of all blood types – to give at the WKU Greek Week blood drive to help ensure lifesaving patient care isn’t impacted this spring.

“Community partners play a vital role in maintaining the area blood supply,” said Mario Sedlock, director of donor recruitment for the Tennessee Valley Blood Services Region. “For over 30 years, WKU students and supporters have answered the call to give blood during the annual Greek Week blood drive. Because of their heroic compassion, it has become one of the largest blood drives held in the Red Cross Tennessee Valley Blood Services Region.”

All presenting donors will receive a commemorative WKU Greek Week T-shirt, while supplies last. Additionally, those who come to donate will be automatically entered for a chance to win a full-size Iron Throne from HBO’s Game of Thrones. Terms and conditions apply and are available at RedCrossBlood.org/HBOGameofThrones.* Additionally, all presenting donors will receive a commemorative Bleed For The Throne poster, while supplies** last.

How to donate blood

To make an appointment, download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, call 1-800-RED CROSS or visit RedCrossBlood.org and enter sponsor code WKU. 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 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.