Red Cross and Pro Football Hall of Famer Jerry Rice: Giving blood or platelets is a simple act with a powerful impact

ST. LOUIS, Mo. — The American Red Cross, Pro Football Hall of Famer Jerry Rice and Suburban Propane have joined together to encourage communities to commit to a simple act with a powerful impact – giving blood or platelets for patients in need.

This spring, it’s critically important the Red Cross maintains a readily available blood supply for those who rely on transfusions for treatment. Since donated blood has a limited shelf life, supplies must be constantly replenished to ensure a sufficient inventory of blood products. With no substitution for blood and no way to manufacture it, volunteer donors are the only source of blood products for patients with sickle cell disease, car accident victims and parents experiencing difficult childbirths.

As a blood donor himself, Jerry Rice urges individuals to roll up a sleeve and take pride in the lifesaving impact they’re making. “Here’s your chance to make a difference,” said Rice. “You never know who you might be helping. It could be a friend or family member who needs blood – and that’s why it’s so important.”

As a thank-you, Suburban Propane is fueling a lifetime of road-tripping memories with a special opportunity for donors who answer the call to give power to patients. Those who come to give blood, platelets or plasma April 19-May 19, 2022, will be automatically entered to win a travel trailer camper that sleeps eight. Plus, those who come to give will also receive a $10 e-gift card to a merchant of choice, all courtesy of Suburban Propane.*

“We are honored to join our longtime partners at the American Red Cross and football legend Jerry Rice to raise awareness about the need for blood this spring,” said Nandini Sankara, spokesperson, Suburban Propane. “This effort is a wonderful addition to our SuburbanCares initiative, aimed at giving back to our local communities throughout the nation, and we are delighted to sponsor the camper giveaway in hopes of motivating even more people to donate blood and give the gift of life.” 

A simple act can lead to lifesaving care. To schedule an appointment to donate blood, platelets or plasma, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Upcoming River Region blood donation opportunities April 25-May 19:

Sainte Genevieve
4/27/2022: 8 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., Ste Genevieve High School, 715 Washington

Bloomsdale
4/28/2022: 2 p.m. – 6 p.m., Bloomsdale Elementary School, 6279 US Highway 61

Chester
4/29/2022: 8 a.m. – 2 p.m., Chester High School, 1901 Swanwick Street

Evansville
5/4/2022: 12:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m., Knights of Columbus, 303 Broad St.

Sainte Genevieve
5/5/2022: 12 p.m. – 6 p.m., Knights of Columbus, 600 Market street

Perryville
5/6/2022: 12 p.m. – 4 p.m., Robinson Construction Company, 2411 Walters Lane

Chester
5/10/2022: 11:30 a.m. – 4 p.m., Chester Memorial Hospital, 1900 State Street

Perryville
5/10/2022: 12 p.m. – 6 p.m., Perry Park Center, 800 City Park Drive

Perryville
5/16/2022: 8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., Perry County Memorial Hospital, 434 North West Street

Coulterville
5/17/2022: 1:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m., Coulterville High School, 101 West Grant Street

Red Bud
5/19/2022: 12:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m., Red Bud Regional Hospital, 325 Spring Street