(EVANSVILLE) – January is National Blood Donor Month – The American Red Cross is partnering with WEHT Eyewitness News, Townsquare Media and Eastland Mall to encourage eligible donors to start the new year off right by donating at the New Year, New Life Blood Drive Friday, Jan.10 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Eastland Mall on the Dillard’s wing, 800 N. Green River Road, in Evansville.
Townsquare Media will broadcast live and all presenting donors will receive a free long-sleeved Red Cross T-shirt, while supplies last.
The Red Cross Southwest Indiana Chapter will host free 20 minute CPR training classes at 11 a.m., noon, 1 p.m., 2 p.m., and 3 p.m.
Chapter will also have tables set up to help individuals sign up for volunteer opportunities, learn more about Red Cross services and how to prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies.
The winter months are traditionally a challenging time for blood donation. Inclement weather and flu outbreaks can cause low donor turnout and even cancellations of blood drives. Since 1970, January has been observed as National Blood Donor Month to highlight the difficulty of collecting enough blood products to meet patient needs.
“The Red Cross is thrilled to partner with Eyewitness News, Townsquare Media and Eastland Mall to celebrate National Blood Donor Month,” said Cyndi Dahl, Red Cross regional donor services executive. “Every day, hundreds of patients across the region are dependent on voluntary blood donors to help them fight for their lives. We’re urging eligible donors to share their good health and resolve to give at the New Year, New Life Blood Drive.”
The New Year, New Life Blood Drive comes as the Red Cross faces an urgent need for blood donors of all blood types, especially type O, to give now to ensure blood is available for medical treatments and emergencies this winter.
How to donate blood
Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org and enter sponsor code: Donorama 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.
