Red Cross Encourages Adding 'Give Blood' To Holiday Checklist

Last updated on Tuesday, December 20, 2016

(UNDATED) - As freezing temperatures and harsh weather grip much of the nation, the American Red Cross urges eligible donors to make an appointment to give blood or platelets to help meet the constant need for blood this winter.

Millions of people are expected to take to the roads, rail and air to celebrate the season, which can cause fewer donors to be available and lead to a decline in blood and platelet donations. In addition, severe winter weather and seasonal illnesses can temporarily prevent some from giving. Donors with all blood types are needed now to help patients.

As a special thank you for taking the time to donate, those who come out to give Dec. 22 through Jan. 8 will receive a long-sleeved Red Cross T-shirt, while supplies last.

"Many of us celebrate this time of year with loved ones, but patients may spend the holidays and ring in the new year from a hospital room," said Rodney Wilson, communications manager for the Red Cross Indiana-Ohio Blood Services Region. "Blood and platelet donors can bring joy to patients and their families by giving blood or platelets to help ensure patients receive the lifesaving treatments they need."

Upcoming blood donation opportunities:

Brown County - Nashville

12/22 at 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., Brown County YMCA, 105 Willow Street

Greene County - Bloomfield

1/3 at 1 p.m. - 6 p.m., Cincinnati Christian Church, 11432 SR 54 East

Greene County - Linton

1/4 at 12:30 p.m. - 5 p.m., Linton Public Library, 95 SE 1st St

Lawrence County - Bedford

12/22 at 2 p.m. - 7 p.m., Walmart, 3200 John Williams Blvd.

Lawrence County - Mitchell

12/27 at 11 a.m. - 4 p.m., Mitchell Manor Nursing Home, 24 Teke Burton Drive

Monroe County - Bloomington

12/22 at 12 p.m. - 6 p.m., Bloomington Blood Donation Center, 1600 W. 3rd St.
12/28 at 12 p.m. - 6 p.m., Bloomington Blood Donation Center, 1600 W. 3rd St.
12/29 at 12 p.m. - 6 p.m., Bloomington Blood Donation Center, 1600 W. 3rd St.
12/29 at 3 p.m. - 7 p.m., Kroger, 1175 College Mall Road
12/30 at 8 a.m. - 2 p.m., Bloomington Blood Donation Center, 1600 W. 3rd St.
12/31 at 8 a.m. - 12 p.m., Bloomington Blood Donation Center, 1600 W. 3rd St.
1/4 at 12 p.m. - 6 p.m., Bloomington Blood Donation Center, 1600 W. 3rd St.
1/5 at 12 p.m. - 6 p.m., Bloomington Blood Donation Center, 1600 W. 3rd St.
1/7 at 8 a.m. - 12 p.m., Bloomington Blood Donation Center, 1600 W. 3rd St.
1/8 at 8 a.m. - 1 p.m., Indiana Army National Guard - Bloomington, 3380 South Walnut Street
1/11 at 12 p.m. - 6 p.m., Bloomington Blood Donation Center, 1600 W. 3rd St.
1/12 at 12 p.m. - 6 p.m., Bloomington Blood Donation Center, 1600 W. 3rd St.
1/12 at 1 p.m. - 6 p.m., Indiana University Ashton Residence Center, 1800 East 10th Street
1/14 at 8 a.m. - 12 p.m., Bloomington Blood Donation Center, 1600 W. 3rd St.
1/15 at 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., First United Methodist Church, 219 E. 4th Street

Morgan County - Martinsville

12/23 at 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., IU Health Morgan, 2209 John R Wooden Drive

How to donate blood

Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org 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 donors can now 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, prior to arriving at the blood drive. To get started and learn more, visit redcrossblood.org/RapidPass and follow the instructions on the site.

Volunteers needed

Another way to support the lifesaving mission of the Red Cross is to become a volunteer transportation specialist and deliver blood products to area hospitals. Volunteer transportation specialists play a very important role in ensuring an ample blood supply for patients in need by transporting blood and blood products. For more information and to apply for a volunteer transportation specialist position visit redcross.org.

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 visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.

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