MOLINE, ILLINOIS (June 6, 2019) — The American Red Cross has an urgent need for blood-donors of all types to give now to help prevent a summer blood-shortage. During the summer months, blood-donations often do not keep pace with hospital-demand. That’s why the Red Cross of the Quad Cities and West Central Illinois would like you to join them Wednesday, June 26, 1-6PM, at Purpose Quad Cities, 1800 7th Ave, in Moline. All presenting donors will receive a Red Cross T-shirt, and a free sandwich from Jimmy John’s, while supplies last.
This blood-drive comes as the Red Cross is urging individuals to help ensure blood is never missing from hospital shelves by donating blood through the Missing Types campaign. Despite blood’s lifesaving role, only 3 out of 100 people in the US give blood each year. The goal of Missing Types is to inspire new and current blood-donors to give this summer and help fill the missing types.
“Many people don’t understand the importance of having blood on the shelves, especially when the unexpected happens,” said Laura McGuire, external communications manager for the Red Cross Heart of America Blood Services Region. “You just never know when you or a loved one will be the one in need. I encourage anyone who is able to donate to take an hour out of their day and give back.”
Donated-blood may be used to help accident victims, surgery patients, organ-transplant patients, and those receiving treatment for leukemia, cancer, or sickle-cell disease. There is no substitute for donated blood-products. Each day, the Red Cross must collect more than 13,000 blood donations to meet the needs of patients at approximately 2,500 hospitals across the country.
While all blood-types are needed, 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.
During this event, the Red Cross will also educate the community on their services. The Red Cross does more than simply provide blood-products. They provide a full range of services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We are a nationwide humanitarian organization that provides relief and comfort whenever and whenever disaster strikes, such as the responding to local flooding in our communities.
From disaster-response, health, and safety classes, to blood-collection and support of military members and their families, the Red Cross will continue to serve the needs of the community.
How to donate blood
Simply download the 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 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.
