Brought to you by WBIW News and Network Indiana
Last updated on Tuesday, November 6, 2018
(UNDATED) - The American Red Cross and 44 News are urging the community to donate blood and give a patient in need something to be extra thankful for this year.
Give more life by rolling up a sleeve at the 44 News Give Thanks, Give Life Blood Drive Nov. 19 from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the American Red Cross, 29 S. Stockwell Road in Evansville.
As a special thank you, all presenting donors will receive a long-sleeved Red Cross T-shirt, breakfast from Donut Bank, lunch from Texas Roundhouse and dinner from Olive Garden, while supplies last.
"Medical conditions and emergencies that require blood don't stop for the holidays," said Garry Allison, director of donor recruitment for the River Valley Blood Services Region. "By giving blood at the 44 News Give Thanks, Give Life Blood Drive, donors exemplify and expand a spirit of gratitude by helping ensure blood is available for patients throughout the holiday season."
In the past 11 years, the annual Give Thanks, Give Life Blood Drive has collected over 1,805 pints of blood. Donors of all blood types, especially type O, are needed to give Nov. 19. Those with types O, A negative and B negative blood are encouraged to make a Power Red donation at this blood drive. Power Red donors give a concentrated dose of red blood cells during a single donation, allowing them to maximize their impact.
As people get busy with holiday activities from Thanksgiving to New Year's Day, the amount of blood donations tends to decline while the number of patients depending on blood donations does not. By donating blood during this time of year, individuals can help give patients another holiday season with family and friends. Take part in giving thanks and giving more life by scheduling an appointment to donate.
How to donate blood
Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org and enter sponsor code: Give Thanks or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to make an appointment or for more information. Walk-ins are also welcome. 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.
1340 AM WBIW welcomes comments and suggestions by calling 812.277.1340 during normal business hours or by email at comments@wbiw.com
© Ad-Venture Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved.