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.
