Resolve to give blood in January for National Blood Donor Month

Dec. 15, 2015 - This January, during National Blood Donor Month, the American Red Cross encourages people to roll up their sleeves to give blood to help maintain a sufficient blood supply for patients.

Since 1970, National Blood Donor Month has been observed in January to not only honor blood and platelet donors, but also to help increase donations during the winter months. Maintaining a sufficient blood supply for patients is difficult at this time of year because extreme winter weather and seasonal illnesses often impact donor turnout.

Karla Essmiller became a blood donor in college, but the importance of giving blood hit home when several family members had medical emergencies. "It only takes once sitting in a hospital, praying that your loved one will live through the day, to know how thankful you are for every single thing done to help them," she said. "Donating blood is a simple gift that I can make that may help up to three people live another day. That makes me feel like a hero."

The Red Cross encourages eligible donors to resolve to give blood regularly, beginning in January. Donors with all blood types are needed, especially those with types AB, O, B negative and A negative.

To make an appointment to donate blood, download the free Red Cross Blood Donor App from app stores, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Upcoming blood donation opportunities:

Clinton County, Iowa

Clinton

1/14/2016: 10:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., LyondellBasell Clinton, 3400 Anamosa Road

Henry County, Illinois

Cambridge

1/14/2016: 2 p.m. - 6 p.m., St John's Vianney Church, 313 S. West St.

Colona

1/5/2016: 1:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m., St Patrick's Church, 201 First St.

Galva

1/5/2016: 1 p.m. - 6 p.m., First United Methodist Church, 214 N. W.  Second Ave.

Geneseo

1/7/2016: 12 p.m. - 6 p.m., Grace United Methodist Church, 318 N. Center St.

Kewanee

1/13/2016: 2 p.m. - 6 p.m., First Christian Church, 105 Dwight St.

Lee County, Illinois

Dixon

1/12/2016: 12 p.m. - 5 p.m., Elk's Lodge, 1279 Franklin Grove Road

Mercer County, Illinois

Alexis

1/12/2016: 2 p.m. - 6 p.m., Alexis Community Center, 204 W. Palmer Ave.

Whiteside County, Illinois

Fulton

1/12/2016: 1 p.m. - 6 p.m., Robert Fulton Community Center, 912 4th St.

Rock Falls

1/6/2016: 2 p.m. - 6 p.m., Rock Falls Blood Donation Center, 112 W. Second St.

1/10/2016: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., Army National Guard, 716 Sixth Ave.

1/13/2016: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., Rock Falls Blood Donation Center, 112 W. Second St.

Tampico

1/14/2016: 1 p.m. - 6 p.m., Tampico United Methodist Church, 202 Lincoln Ave,


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 (16 with parental consent in some states), 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.

Give something that means something -  Give blood or host a blood drive


Nov. 16, 2015 - The American Red Cross encourages individuals and organizations to give something that means something this winter by making a lifesaving blood donation or hosting a blood drive.


Blood donations often decline from now to New Year's Day when holiday festivities pull people away from their donation appointments. Seasonal illnesses, such as colds and the flu, can also have a serious impact on blood donations


In addition, there are fewer blood drives during the winter months when many hosting organizations postpone drives while people are traveling for the holidays. Severe winter weather may also cause scheduled blood drives to be canceled.


Despite the busy holiday season and threat of extreme freezing weather, the need for blood remains steady. Organizations can help by hosting a blood drive during the winter months, and eligible donors are encouraged to make an appointment to give blood. Donors with all blood types are needed, especially those with types O negative, B negative, A negative and AB blood.


Visit redcrossblood.org to learn more about hosting a blood drive. To make an appointment to donate blood, download the free Red Cross Blood Donor App from app stores, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). Donors can now use the Blood Donor App to access their donor card and view vital signs from previous donations.


Upcoming blood donation opportunities:


Clinton County, Iowa

Clinton

12/12/2015: 9 a.m. - 1 p.m., Prince of Peace Catholic School, 312 S. 4th St.


Henry County, Illinois

Kewanee

12/9/2015: 2 p.m. - 6 p.m., First Christian Church, 105 Dwight St.

12/10/2015: 9 a.m. - 2 p.m., Wethersfield High School Key Club, 439 Willard St.

12/12/2015: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., Kewanee Armory, 111 N. East St.


Lee County, Illinois

Ashton

12/1/2015: 1 p.m. - 6 p.m., Mills & Petrie Building, 704 N. First St.


Dixon

12/1/2015: 12:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m., Knights of Columbus Hall, 506 W. Third

12/10/2015: 10 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., Illinois Department of Transportation, 819 Depot

12/15/2015: 9:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m., Katherine Shaw Bethea Hospital, 403 E. First St.

12/15/2015: 1:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m., Katherine Shaw Bethea Hospital, 403 E. First St.


Mercer County, Illinois

Aledo

12/15/2015: 11:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m., VFW Hall, 106 SW 3rd Ave.


New Windsor

12/10/2015: 2 p.m. - 6 p.m., New Windsor Presbyterian Church, 4TH and Walnut


Rock Island County, Illinois

Moline

12/2/2015: 1 p.m. - 5 p.m., American Red Cross of Quad Cities, 1100 River Dr.


Whiteside County, Illinois

Fulton

12/8/2015: 1 p.m. - 6 p.m., Robert Fulton Community Center, 912 4th St.

12/9/2015: 9 a.m. - 2 p.m., Fulton High School, 1207 12th St.


Prophetstown

12/14/2015: 11:30 a.m. - 5 p.m., Prophetstown-Lyndon-Tampico CUSD #3, 79 Grove St.


Rock Falls

12/2/2015: 2 p.m. - 6 p.m., Rock Falls Blood Donation Center, 112 W. Second St.

12/9/2015: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., Rock Falls Blood Donation Center, 112 W. Second St.


Sterling

12/3/2015: 9:45 a.m. - 4 p.m., CGH Medical Center, 100 E. LeFevre Rd.


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 (16 with parental consent in some states), 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.
PEORIA, Ill. (Oct. 16, 2014) – The American Red Cross encourages eligible donors to make a point to give blood before the busy holiday season arrives.

Blood donations often decline between Thanksgiving and New Year's Day as people become busy with holiday festivities. Donors are needed in the weeks leading up to the winter holidays to help prevent these seasonal declines. Donors of all blood types, and especially those with types O negative, A negative and B negative, are needed now to help maintain a stable blood supply.

Blood donation appointments can be made through the Red Cross Blood Donor App - a faster, more convenient way to schedule and manage donation appointments, especially for donors on the go. The app also allows users to track donation histories, earn rewards and invite others to join them on a lifesaving team. The app is free and available for download in app stores.

Donors may also visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to learn more about the donation process and to make an appointment.

Upcoming blood donation opportunities:

Carroll

Savanna

11/5/2014: 8:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., West Carroll High School, 500 Cragmoor Drive

_______________

 

Clinton

 

Clinton

11/8/2014: 9 a.m. - 1 p.m., Prince of Peace Academy Grade School, 312 South 4th Street

_______________

 

Henry

 

Cambridge

11/13/2014: 2 p.m. - 6 p.m., St John's Vianney Church, 313 S West Street

 

Geneseo

11/6/2014: 12 p.m. - 6 p.m., First United Methodist Church S Campus Bldg, 302 N. State Street

 

Kewanee

11/12/2014: 2 p.m. - 6 p.m., First Christian Church, 105 Dwight St.

 

Woodhull

11/10/2014: 9 a.m. - 2 p.m., Woodhull Alwood High School, 301 East 5th

_______________

 

Lee

 

Amboy

11/7/2014: 9 a.m. - 2 p.m., Amboy High School, 11 E. Hawley Street

 

Dixon

11/11/2014: 11 a.m. - 4 p.m., Borg Warner, 1350 Franklin Grove Road

 

Paw Paw

11/5/2014: 2 p.m. - 7 p.m., Paw Paw High School, 511 Chapman

_______________

 

Mercer

 

Aledo

11/12/2014: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., Genesis Medical Center, 409 N. West 9th Ave.

 

Sherrard

11/14/2014: 9 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., Sherrard High School, 4701 176TH

 

Viola

11/3/2014: 3 p.m. - 7 p.m., Viola Fire Deparment, 1713 13th Street

_______________

 

Scott

 

Davenport

11/11/2014: 1 p.m. - 5 p.m., Christ's Family Church, 4601 Utica Ridge Road

_______________

 

Whiteside

 

Fulton

11/11/2014: 1 p.m. - 6 p.m., Robert Fulton Community Center, 912 4th Street

 

Prophetstown

11/3/2014: 9 a.m. - 2 p.m., Prophetstown High School, 310 Riverside

 

Rock Falls

11/2/2014: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., Army National Guard, 716 Sixth Ave

11/5/2014: 2 p.m. - 6 p.m., American Red Cross, 112 W. Second St.

11/12/2014: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., American Red Cross, 112 W. Second St.

11/15/2014: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., American Red Cross, 112 W. Second St.

 

Tampico

11/13/2014: 2 p.m. - 7 p.m., Tampico United Methodist Church, 202 Lincoln Ave.

 

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 (16 with parental consent in some states), 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.

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. The Red Cross is supported in part through generous financial donations from the United Way. For more information, please visit redcross.org or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.

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PEORIA, Ill. (August 29, 2011) - Since Hurricane Irene began its path along the East Coast, the storm has forced the cancellation of nearly 60 American Red Cross blood drives, resulting in a shortfall of more than 2,000 blood and platelet donations. Additional blood drives are expected to be canceled or postponed in the coming days due to storm damage and power outages. To help boost already low blood supplies, the Red Cross is urging blood and platelet donations in unaffected areas.

In appreciation of those who come out to donate and refuel the Red Cross blood supply, through September 7, all presenting blood donors in the Heart of America Blood Services Region are eligible to win one of three $500 gas cards.

"Blood donated through the Red Cross can help patients locally and throughout the country, wherever there is a need," said Shelly Heiden, CEO of the local Red Cross Blood Services Region. "When disaster strikes, the need does not diminish, but blood donors in affected areas may find it difficult or impossible to get to a blood drive. By giving blood through the Red Cross, donors can help ensure all patient needs can be met. Blood and platelet donations of all types are needed. "

How to Donate Blood
Simply call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org 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 (16 with parental permission in some states), 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.

Disaster Relief
The Red Cross has relief operations ongoing in more than a dozen states and thousands of disaster workers helping people from North Carolina to New England. The Red Cross has provided more than 48,000 overnight shelter stays since Friday and every Red Cross feeding truck east of the Rocky Mountains - more than 250 - are set to go into neighborhoods as soon as conditions permit. Tens of thousands of pre-packaged meals are in position, and the Red Cross is working with its community partners to have feeding kitchens in place after the storm moves through.

If people would like to help, they can click or text to support American Red Cross Disaster Relief. Donations can be made by visiting www.redcross.org or texting the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation. Contributions can also be sent to someone's local Red Cross chapter or mailed to the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013.

About the American Red Cross
Governed by volunteers and supported by giving individuals and communities, the American Red Cross is the single largest supplier of blood products to hospitals throughout the United States. While local hospital needs are always met first, the Red Cross also helps ensure no patient goes without blood no matter where or when they need it. In addition to providing nearly half of the nation's blood supply, the Red Cross provides relief to victims of disaster, trains millions in lifesaving skills, serves as a communication link between U.S. military members and their families, and assists victims of international disasters or conflicts.

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All eligible blood donors asked to make and keep appointments

PEORIA, Ill. (July 11, 2011) - Due to a critical shortage of donated blood across the nation, the American Red Cross - the single largest supplier of blood products in the United States - is asking eligible donors of all blood types to make an appointment to give blood as soon as possible.

With many donors busy or traveling, and with school out of session where up to 20 percent of donations are made during the academic year, donations have dropped dramatically. In fact, during May and June 2011, while the need for blood products remained steady, donations were at the lowest level the Red Cross has experienced in more than 12 years.

The Red Cross needs blood donors - now more than ever - to roll up a sleeve and give as soon as possible. All blood types are needed, but especially O negative, B negative and A negative. Call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org to make an appointment or for more information.

The American Red Cross has responded to more than 40 major disasters in over 30 states during the past three months - delivering help and hope to people affected by floods, tornadoes and wildfires. But there's another, more personal, kind of disaster which can happen to any of us at any time if we need blood and it's not available.

"As a physician, I have seen firsthand how blood transfusions can truly help save lives," said David C. Mair, M.D., chief medical officer of the Mid-America Blood Services Division of the American Red Cross which provides blood products and specialized laboratory services to more than 326 hospitals in the Midwest and central U.S. "However, a critical blood shortage like the one we're experiencing right now could have a devastating effect on patients whose survival may depend on blood being there when and where needed. Blood donors can help ensure a readily available blood supply locally as well as throughout the country."

A year and a half ago, 15 year old Cora Peters of Princeton, Illinois was diagnosed with stage 4 synovial sarcoma. Since her diagnosis, Cora has gone through three surgeries and countless lifesaving blood product transfusions to replace the blood cells that her body was no longer able to make.

Cora's story highlights the importance of each and every blood donation. Because of that, the Red Cross is reaching out to eligible blood donors, sponsors and community leaders to ask them to recruit blood donors to help meet the needs of patients in communities across the United States.

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 (16 with parental permission in some states), 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.

About the American Red Cross

Governed by volunteers and supported by giving individuals and communities, the American Red Cross is the single largest supplier of blood products to hospitals throughout the United States. While local hospital needs are always met first, the Red Cross also helps ensure no patient goes without blood no matter where or when they need it. In addition to providing nearly half of the nation's blood supply, the Red Cross provides relief to victims of disaster, trains millions in lifesaving skills, serves as a communication link between U.S. military members and their families, and assists victims of international disasters or conflicts.

Upcoming Blood Donation Opportunities

ROCK ISLAND COUNTY

7/11/2011, 11:00 am- 4:00 pm, DHL Global Forwarding, 3100 69th Ave #2, Moline

WHITESIDE COUNTY

7/12/2011, 1:00 pm- 5:15 pm, Old Fulton Fire Station, 912 4th Street, Fulton, IL, Whiteside

7/13/2011, 10:00 am- 2:00 pm, Rock Falls Blood Donation Center, 112 W. Second St., Rock Falls, , IL, Whiteside

7/14/2011, 3:00 pm- 8:00 pm, Fairfield Amish Mennonite School, 29467 425 E. Street, Tampico, , IL, Whiteside

7/15/2011, 11:30 am- 6:00 pm, Sterling National Manufacturing Education Center, 1 First Avenue, Sterling, , IL, Whiteside

7/16/2011, 9:00 am- 1:00 pm, Culver's, 1901 Harley Davidson Drive, Rock Falls, IL, Whiteside

7/16/2011, 10:00 am- 2:00 pm, Army National Guard, 716 Sixth Ave, Rock Falls, IL, Whiteside

Help Spark the American Red Cross Blood Supply this Summer

The Independence Day holiday will surely ignite many spectacular fireworks extravaganzas, and the American Red Cross is also counting on a spark of donors to boost the blood supply. All blood types are needed to help maintain a sufficient blood supply for patients in need. During the holiday week and throughout the summer donations tend to dip, but the need for blood is constant.

While all blood types are needed during the critical summer months, Rh negative blood types are always in high demand because they potentially can be transfused to patients with Rh positive or Rh negative blood types.Type O negative, the universal blood type, can potentially be transfused to patients with any blood type.
To show appreciation to those who help save lives near the upcoming Independence Day holiday (June 27 - July 6), all presenting donors at Red Cross blood drives and blood donation centers in the Heart of America region will automatically be entered for a chance to win a portable GarminGPS unit. This is a part of the Red Cross' summer-long Good to Give. Good to Go. promotion that features holiday-themed raffles and a chance for one lucky donor (21 and older) in the Mid-America Blood Services Division to win a trip for four (4) to Orlando, Florida.

How to Donate Blood

Simply call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org to make an appointment or for more information.
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 (16 with parental permission in some states), weigh at least 110 pounds and are generally in 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.

About the American Red Cross

Governed by volunteers and supported by giving individuals and communities, the American Red Cross is the single largest supplier of blood products to hospitals throughout the United States. While local hospital needs are always met first, the Red Cross also helps ensure no patient goes without blood no matter where or when they need it. In addition to providing nearly half of the nation's blood supply, the Red Cross provides relief to victims of disaster, trains millions in life saving skills, serves as a communication link between U.S. military members and their families, and assists victims of international disasters or conflicts.

Blood Donation Opportunities

ROCK ISLAND COUNTY
7/11/11
11:00 am- 4:00 pm
DHL Global Forwarding
3100 69th Ave #2
Moline

WHITESIDE COUNTY

7/5/11
8:00 am-11:00 am
Old Fulton Fire Station
912 4th Street
Get a chance to win a portable GPS unit when you present to donate between June 27th & July 6th, 2011!
Fulton

7/6/11
12:00 pm-6:00 pm
Rock Falls Blood DonationCenter
112 W.Second St.
Get a chance to win a portable GPS unit when you present to donate between June 27th & July6th, 2011!
Rock Falls

7/12/11
1:00 pm- 5:15 pm
Old Fulton Fire Station
912 4th Street
Fulton

7/13/11
10:00 am- 2:00 pm
Rock Falls Blood Donation Center
112 W. Second St.
Rock Falls

7/14/11
3:00 pm- 8:00 pm
Fairfield Amish Mennonite School
29467 425 E.Street
Tampico

7/15/11
1:30 pm- 6:30 pm
Sterling Education Center
1 First Avenue
Sterling

During the summer months, blood donations often drop to low levels.The American Red Cross encourages donors to rev up their engines and head out to a nearby blood drive or donation center.

From May 25 through Sept. 14, presenting donors (age 18 and older) can register online at redcrossracing.com to enter the Red Cross Racing "Summer Drive Sweepstakes." Enter for a chance to win a new, fuel-efficient 2012 Ford Fiesta SE. One winner will be selected by random drawing no later than Sept. 19.

Red Cross Racing participants also get points for activities like giving blood and recruiting blood donors. Points can be redeemed at any time for fun racing-themed prizes or donated to support the Red Cross Service to the Armed Forces.

The American Red Cross is celebrating the fourth year of its Red Cross Racing partnership with 3M and Roush Fenway Racing. For more information, or to schedule your summer blood donation appointment, please visit redcrossracing.com or call 1-800-RED CROSS.

How to Donate Blood
Simply call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visitredcrossblood.org 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 (16 with parental permission in some states), weigh at least 110 pounds and are generally in 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.

About the American Red Cross
Governed by volunteers and supported by giving individuals and communities, the American Red Cross is the single largest supplier of blood products to hospitals throughout the United States. While local hospital needs are always met first, the Red Cross also helps ensure no patient goes without blood no matter where or when they need it. In addition to providing nearly half of the nation's blood supply, the Red Cross provides relief to victims of disaster, trains millions in lifesaving skills, serves as a communication link between U.S. military members and their families, and assists victims of international disasters or conflicts.

Fast Facts
Approximately every two seconds someone in the U.S.needs blood.
More than 38,000 blood donations are needed every day.
Only 38% of the U.S.population is eligible to donate blood.
Just 8% of those eligible actually donate.
One out of every 10 people admitted to the hospital needs blood.
One donation can help save the lives of up to three people.
The number one reason donors say they give blood is because they "want to help others."
The American Red Cross supplies approximately 40% of the nation's blood supply.

Blood Donation Opportunities June 16-30, 2011
WHITESIDE COUNTY
6/21/11
1:00 pm- 5:15 pm
Old Fulton Fire
912 4th Street
Fulton

6/22/11
10:00 am- 2:00 pm
Rock Falls Blood Donation Center
112 W. Second St.
Rock Falls

6/23/11
4:00 pm- 7:00 pm
Rock Falls Blood Donation Center
112 W. Second St.
Rock Falls

6/28/11 
1:00 pm-5:15 pm
Old Fulton Fire Station
912 4th Street
Fulton
Get a chance to win a portable GPS unit when you present to donate between June 27th & July 6th, 2011!

6/29/11
2:00 pm-6:00 pm
Rock Falls Blood Donation Center
112 W. Second St.
Rock Falls
Get a chance to win a portable GPS unit when you present to donate between June 27th & July 6th, 2011!

CLINTON COUNTY
6/16/11
10:00 am- 4:00 pm
Lyondell Chemical Company
3400 Anamosa Road
Clinton

6/19/11
8:00 am-12:00 pm
Assumption Catholic Church
147 Broadway Street
Charlotte

CARROLL COUNTY
6/16/11
1:00 pm-6:00 pm
Milledgeville First Brethren Church
521 N. Main Ave
Milledgeville
All presenting donors will be eligible to win a set of 2 free Chicago White Sox regular season home game tickets.

6/17/11
12:00 pm-6:00 pm
United Methodist Church
405 E.Locust
Lanark
All presenting donors will be eligible to win a set of 2 free Chicago White Sox regular season home game tickets.

6/22/11
12:00 pm-6:00 pm
Big Meadows Nursing Home
1000 Longmoor Ave
Savanna
All presenting donors will be eligible to win a set of 2 free Chicago White Sox regular season home game tickets.

6/24/11
1:00 pm-6:00 pm
Mt. Carroll Community Building
101 N. Main
Mount Carroll
All presenting donors will be eligible to win a set of 2 free Chicago White Sox regular season home game tickets.
All eligible donors are urged to give blood or platelets to help replenish decreasing supply

PEORIA, Ill. (February 3, 2011) - The massive winter storm that pounded much of the United States this week increased the number of canceled blood and platelet donations through the American Red Cross to nearly 23,000 since January 1, 2011. Of that number, 1,027 donations have been canceled in Illinois, eastern Iowa and eastern Missouri since Monday, January 31. The situation continues to stress the Red Cross national blood supply for more than 3,000 hospitals across the country.

"The need for blood is constant - patients can't take a snow day," said Shelly Heiden, CEO of the Heart of America Blood Services Region.  "We want our donors to stay safe when severe weather strikes. But if it is safe to travel, it's important to schedule a blood or platelet donation appointment to help replenish the blood supply."

The Red Cross urges all eligible donors in unaffected areas to make an appointment to give blood or platelets today, and those in affected areas to donate as soon as travel is safe, by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or by visiting HTUredcrossblood.orgUTH. All blood types are needed, but there is a special need for donors with type O negative, A negative and B negative blood. Donations will help replenish the Red Cross blood supply to ensure that blood products are readily available for patients with serious medical needs. A listing of upcoming blood drives follows at the end of this news release.

The Red Cross overstocked major medical centers in some of the hardest hit areas in the Midwest earlier in the week expecting airport and road closures. All wheel drive Red Cross vehicles were also readied and deployed to make emergency deliveries. And local law enforcement assisted with emergency deliveries of blood products in some cases.

People have been responding to the call for blood donations, and the Red Cross is grateful to those who are stepping up to donate blood and build the blood supply back to sufficient levels. Every two seconds a patient in the United States needs a blood transfusion. Blood is perishable and has no substitute. Red blood cells have a shelf life of only 42 days and platelets just 5 days - they must be replenished constantly.

Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental permission in some states), 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.  Please bring your Red Cross blood donor card or other form of positive ID when you come to donate.

Helping those affected by the storm
TThe American Red Cross has also been on the ground in 19 states, offering food, comfort and a safe place to stay to people affected by the massive winter storm which has buried the country in ice and snow from the Rocky Mountains to Maine.

In Chicago alone, more than 360 people spent Tuesday night in Red Cross shelters. Many were motorists stranded by the storm. In Tulsa, Red Cross disaster workers housed almost 70 people Tuesday night who could not make it home due to the storm.

To help people affected by this winter storm and thousands of disasters in this country and around the world, visit HTUredcross.orgUTH, call 1-800-RED CROSS, or text the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation.

About the American Red Cross
Governed by volunteers and supported by giving individuals and communities, the American Red Cross is the single largest supplier of blood products to hospitals throughout the United States. While local hospital needs are always met first, the Red Cross also helps ensure no patient goes without blood no matter where or when they need it. In addition to providing nearly half of the nation's blood supply, the Red Cross provides relief to victims of disaster, trains millions in lifesaving skills, serves as a communication link between U.S. military members and their families, and assists victims of international disasters or conflicts.

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AMERICAN RED CROSS SAYS MOUNTING EFFECT OF SEVERE WINTER WEATHER CAUSES LOWEST JANUARY BLOOD SUPPLY IN A DECADE

PEORIA, Ill. (January 25, 2011) - Severe winter weather throughout much of the eastern half of the United States in recent weeks has caused the cancellation of more than 14,000 blood and platelet donations through the American Red Cross. The severity of the impact has stressed even the Red Cross' robust national inventory management system, which can move blood products to where they're needed most, such as when severe weather hits.

"We have not seen the January supply drop this dramatically in a decade and we need to reverse this now," said Shelly Heiden, CEO of the Heart of America Red Cross Blood Services region.   "You don't wait to refuel once you've run out of gas. Donating blood or platelets now helps ensure immediate and future patient needs will be met."

The Red Cross urges all eligible donors in unaffected areas to make an appointment to give blood or platelets in the coming days, and those in affected areas to donate as soon as travel is deemed safe, by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or by visiting redcrossblood.org. Donations will help replenish the Red Cross blood supply to ensure that blood products are readily available for patients with serious medical needs.

The need for blood is constant. Every two seconds a patient in the United States needs a blood transfusion. Blood is perishable and has no substitute. Red blood cells have a shelf life of only 42 days and platelets just 5 days - they must be replenished constantly.

Blood and platelets can be used for trauma victims - those who suffered due to accidents and burns - heart surgery patients, organ transplant recipients, premature babies and for patients receiving treatment for leukemia, cancer or other diseases, such as sickle cell disease.

All blood types are needed, especially type O negative, to ensure a reliable supply for patients. Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental permission in some states), 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.  Please bring your Red Cross blood donor card or other form of positive ID when you come to donate.

 

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