(UNDATED) – The American Red Cross has an urgent need for blood donations to prevent another blood shortage as hospitals resume surgical procedures and patient treatments that were temporarily paused earlier this spring in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Healthy individuals who are feeling well are asked to make an appointment to donate in the weeks and months ahead by downloading the free Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-REDCROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enabling the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device.
In recent weeks, hospital demand for blood products has grown by 30% after sharply declining in early April amid this rapidly changing and complex public health crisis. At the same time, blood drives continue to be canceled as many businesses and community organizations remain closed. Donors are needed to make and keep scheduled appointments to help meet the current need.
All those who come to give through May 31 will receive a special Red Cross T-shirt by mail, while supplies last. And thanks to Amazon, all those who come to give June 1-30 will receive a $5 Amazon.com Gift Card via email.*
“Blood donors have played a vital role in the lives of patients who have needed lifesaving transfusions during this pandemic, and patients continue to depend on donors each and every day,” said Cyndi Dahl, regional donor services executive, Red Cross Blood Services River Valley. “The Red Cross appreciates the support of those who rolled up a sleeve to give in recent months, but the need doesn’t stop. We need the public’s help to avoid another blood shortage this summer.”
It’s important to remember that red blood cells must be transfused within 42 days of donation and platelets within just five days. So, they must constantly be replenished. There is no known end date in this fight against coronavirus, and the Red Cross urgently needs the help of donors and blood drive hosts to ensure blood products are readily available for patients.
Blood drive safety precautions each Red Cross blood drive and donation center follow the highest standards of safety and infection control, and additional precautions – including temperature checks, social distancing, and face coverings for donors and staff – have been implemented to ensure the health of all those in attendance. Donors are asked to schedule an appointment prior to arriving at the drive and are required to wear a face-covering or mask while at the drive, in alignment
with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention public guidance.
Upcoming blood donation opportunities, May 27-June 15:
- Bloomington Blood Donation Center, 1600 W. 3rd St. in Bloomington, on May 30 from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.; on June 3 from Noon until 6 p.m.; on June 6 from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m.; on June 9 from 1 p.m. until 6 p.m.; June 10 from Noon until 6 p.m.; June 12 from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m.
- Mitchell Church of Christ, 1004 Main Street, Mitchell, on May 28, from 1 p.m. until 6 p.m.
- Washington Community Blood Drive, 501 Burkhart Dr. in Washington, on May 29, from 11:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.
- Brown County YMCA, 105 Willow Street Nashville, on May 29th from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.
- Hope Moravian Church, 202 Main St., in Hope, on June 1 from 2 p.m. until 7 p.m
- American Legion Hall, 425 South Main Street in Ferdinand on June 1 from 2 p.m. until 7 p.m.
- Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 1010 22nd Street, Bedford, on June 2 from 2 p.m. until 7 p.m.
- First Mennonite Church, 8002 East County Road 550 North in Montgomery on June 5 from 2:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m.
- Sherwood Oaks Christian Church, 2700 E. Rogers Road, Bloomington, on June 9 from 1 p.m. until 6 p.m.
- Bedford Middle School, 1501 N St., Bedford on June 10 from 2 p.m. until 7 p.m.
- Shoals Christian Church, 602 N. Main Street, Shoals, on June 10 from 2 p.m. until 7 p.m.
- Loogootee United Methodist Church, 208 W. Main Street, Loogootee, on June 11, from 2 p.m. until 7 p.m.
- First Christian Church Martinsville, 89 S Main Street in Martinsville, on June 14, from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m.
- Moose Lodge 1175, 2507 Newton St. in Jasper, on June 15, from 1 p.m. until 7 p.m.
About blood donation
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.
