(UNDATED) – As influenza activity picks up this fall, the American Red
Cross is urging healthy donors of all blood types to give blood or platelets to ensure a strong blood supply for patients in need. Blood and platelets can only be given by donors who are feeling well.
The flu shot doesn’t affect blood donation eligibility One way to maintain health is to get a flu vaccine each fall. There is no waiting period to give
blood or platelets after receiving a flu shot as long as the donor is symptom-free and fever-free.
For those that have the flu, it is important to wait until they no longer exhibit flu symptoms, have recovered completely and feel well before attempting to donate. Donors must feel healthy and well on the day of donation.
All blood types needed now
Donors of all blood types, especially platelet donors and those with type O blood, are urged to give now to ensure a stable supply this fall. Stay healthy this flu season and make an appointment to donate blood by downloading the free Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enabling the Blood Donor
Skill on any Alexa Echo device.
Upcoming blood donation opportunities Nov. 1-15:
- 21 SE Third Street Building, 21 S.E. 3rd Evansville, IN 47708 on 11/14/2019: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
- Bethel Mennonite Church, 9335 North 900 E. Odon, IN 47562 on 11/15/2019: 2 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
- Evansville Blood Donation Center, 29 North Stockwell Road Evansville, IN 47714 on 11/1/2019: 8 a.m. – 3 p.m., 11/2/2019: 8 a.m. – 3 p.m., 11/4/2019: 12:30 p.m. – 7:15 p.m., 11/5/2019: 12:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m., 11/6/2019: 12:30 p.m. – 7:15 p.m., 11/8/2019: 8 a.m. – 3 p.m., 11/9/2019: 8 a.m. – 3 p.m., 11/11/2019: 12:30 p.m. – 7:15 p.m., 11/12/2019: 12:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m., 11/13/2019: 12:30 p.m. – 7:15 p.m. and 11/15/2019: 8 a.m. – 3 p.m.
- GE Appliances a Haier Corp, 900 West Indiana St. Evansville, IN 47710 on 11/14/2019: 2 – 5 p.m.
- Holy Name Church, 511 Second St. Henderson, KY 42420 on 11/3/2019: 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.
- McCutchanville Elementary School, 10701 Petersburg Road Evansville, IN 47724 on 11/4/2019: 2 – 7 p.m.
- Northwood Retirement Community, 2515 Newton St. Jasper, IN 47546 on 11/12/2019: 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
- Perry County Memorial, 8885 IN-237 Tell City, IN 47586 on 11/6/2019: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
- Schnellville Community Club, 7855 East Market St. Schnellville, IN 47580 on 11/14/2019: 2 – 7 p.m.
- St. Joseph Parish Center, 214 South Wallace St. Dale, IN 47523 on 11/10/2019: 8 a.m. – noon
- Three i Design, 2425 West Indiana St. Evansville, IN 47712 on 11/14/2019: 8:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
How to donate blood
Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, 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.
