PEORIA, Ill. (June 3, 2013) – The American Red Cross encourages eligible donors to give blood this summer, helping to ensure a sufficient supply for patients in need and allowing them to create their summer of stories. Below are just a few examples of patients recently helped by Red Cross blood donors:
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A liver transplant recipient needed 50 units of red blood cells and 50 units of plasma.
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A mother who had complications during childbirth was given 32 units of red blood cells, 10 units of platelets, 10 units of plasma and 15 units of cryoprecipitate.
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A trauma patient required 15 units of red blood cells.
Blood donations tend to decline during the summer, when many regular donors are on vacation and schools are out of session. However, the need for blood is constant. All blood types are currently needed, especially O negative, which is the universal blood type and can potentially be transfused to any patient.
Blood donors are encouraged to share their donation story with the Red Cross by visiting redcrossblood.org/summer. The Summer of Stories campaign is helping to raise awareness about the constant need for blood and encourage regular donations.
Upcoming blood donation opportunities:
Carroll County
June 20 from 1-6 p.m. at Milledgeville First Brethren Church, 521 N. Main Ave. in Milledgeville, Ill.
June 21 from 12-6 p.m. at United Methodist Church, 405 E. Locust in Lanark, Ill.
June 28 from 12-5 p.m. at Mount Carroll Community Building, 101 N. Main in Mount Carroll, Ill.
Clinton County
June 20 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Lyondell Chemical Co., 3400 Anamosa Road in Clinton, Iowa
June 21 from 12-6 p.m. at Prince of Peace Academy Grade School, 312 S. Fourth St. in Clinton, Iowa
June 23 from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Assumption Catholic Church, 147 Broadway St. in Charlotte, Iowa
Henry County
June 19 from 7 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Kewanee Hospital, 1051 W. South St. in Kewanee, Ill.
June 19 from 12-5 p.m. at Kewanee Hospital, 1051 W. South St. in Kewanee, Ill.
June 26 from 2-6 p.m. at First Christian Church, 105 Dwight St. in Kewanee, Ill.
Mercer County
June 18 from 12-6 p.m. at VFW Hall, 106 SW Third Ave. in Aledo, Ill.
June 29 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at New Boston United Methodist Church, 605 Main St. in New Boston, Ill.
Muscatine County
June 27 from 2-6 p.m. at Fruitland Community Center, 104 Sand Run Road in Fruitland, Iowa
Scott County
June 24 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at LeClaire Community Library, 323 Wisconsin St. in Le Claire, Iowa
Whiteside County
June 18 from 1-5:15 p.m. at River Bend Senior Center, 912 Fourth St. in Fulton, Ill.
June 19 from 2-6 p.m. at American Red Cross, 112 W. Second St. in Rock Falls, Ill.
June 25 from 1-5:15 p.m. at River Bend Senior Center, 912 Fourth St. in Fulton, Ill.
June 25 from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Coventry Living Center, 612 S. St. Mary's Road in Sterling, Ill.
June 26 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at American Red Cross, 112 W. Second St. in Rock Falls, Ill.
June 27 from 4-7 p.m. at American Red Cross, 112 W. Second St. in Rock Falls, Ill.
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 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. For more information, please visit redcross.org or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.
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