PEORIA, Ill. (Aug. 1, 2013) ? While many volunteers generously responded to the emergency call for blood donations from the American Red Cross in July, donors of all blood types, especially O negative, A negative and B negative, are still needed this summer. Blood products are being distributed to hospitals almost as quickly as donations are coming in.
Blood and platelets are needed for many reasons. Accident and burn victims, heart surgery patients and organ transplant recipients, as well as those receiving treatment for cancer or sickle cell disease, may depend on lifesaving transfusions. In fact, every two seconds a patient in the U.S. needs a blood transfusion.
The Red Cross, on behalf of the hospitals and patients it serves, appreciates all those who take the time to help save lives. Visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS to learn more and schedule an appointment as soon as possible.
Upcoming blood donation opportunities:
Carroll County
Aug. 16 from 12-6 p.m. at St. Wendelin's Catholic Church, 102 S. Linn in Shannon, Ill.
Aug. 19 from 12-5 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 502 Third St. in Savanna, Ill.
Aug. 23 from 1-6 p.m. at Church of God, 816 S. Clay in Mount Carroll, Ill.
Henry County
Aug. 21 from 7 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Kewanee Hospital, 1051 W. South St. in Kewanee, Ill.
Aug. 21 from 12-5 p.m. at Kewanee Hospital, 1051 W. South St. in Kewanee, Ill.
Aug. 28 from 2-6 p.m. at First Christian Church, 105 Dwight St. in Kewanee, Ill.
Mercer County
Aug. 20 from 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at VFW Hall, 106 SW Third Ave. in Aledo, Ill.
Aug. 26 from 3-6:30 p.m. at First Christian Church, 20th and Main Street in Keithsburg, Ill.
Aug. 28 from 2-6 p.m. at Alexis Community Center, 204 W. Palmer Ave. in Alexis, Ill.
Scott County
Aug. 30 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Hy-Vee, 4064 E. 53rd St. in Davenport, Iowa
Whiteside County
Aug. 20 from 1-5:15 p.m. at River Bend Senior Center, 912 Fourth St. in Fulton, Ill.
Aug. 21 from 2-6 p.m. at American Red Cross, 112 W. Second St. in Rock Falls, Ill.
Aug. 22 from 4-7 p.m. at American Red Cross, 112 W. Second St. in Rock Falls, Ill.
Aug. 27 from 1-5:15 p.m. at River Bend Senior Center, 912 Fourth St. in Fulton, Ill.
Aug. 28 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at American Red Cross, 112 W. Second St. in Rock Falls, Ill.
The need is constant. The gratification is instant. Give blood.®
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. 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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