ST. LOUIS, Mo. — As more people make travel plans to celebrate with family and friends this year, the American Red Cross asks donors to set aside a time to give blood or platelets for patients waiting for care over the holidays.
Throughout the season, several factors can disrupt the ability of the Red Cross to collect enough blood for patients across the country.
- Travel: According to a recent study, nearly half of Americans plan to travel over the holidays this year, which may negatively impact the blood supply if fewer people come out to donate.
- Seasonal illness: The U.S. is seeing a rise in respiratory illnesses like the flu and RSV, which can decrease the availability of healthy donors.
- Weather: Parts of the country have already seen storms bring several feet of snow this year. Winter weather often leads to hazardous road conditions, canceling blood drives and making it dangerous for donors to venture out to give.
It’s important for donors − especially type O blood donors and platelet donors − to give now to ensure hospitals have the blood they need through the end of the year. Schedule an appointment by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
As a thank-you, all who come to give blood through Dec. 15 will receive a $10 Amazon.com Gift Card by email, thanks to Amazon.* Those who come to give Dec. 16-Jan. 2 will get a long-sleeved Red Cross T-shirt, while supplies last.
There are several opportunities to donate blood throughout the month of December. In Alton, Ill., the Red Cross and A Precious Organization are teaming up to host a Sickle Call Warrior Blood Drive on Friday, Dec. 16 from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the YWCA (304 E. 3rd Street) of Alton. When making an appointment reference sponsor code PRECIOUSORG.
In addition, the Red Cross, Audacy Radio and the YMCA of Greater St. Louis and the Metro East will host the 2nd annual Audacy Radio Holiday Heroes Blood Drive Dec. 20-23 at 22 area YMCA locations. In addition to the free long-sleeved T-shirt, all donors who attempt to donate at this drive will be able to get a 0% enrollment fee at the YMCA location. When making an appointment reference sponsor code AUDACY.
Upcoming blood donation opportunities in the River Region through Dec. 29
Red Bud
12/12/2022: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., Red Bud High School, 815 Locust Street
Sparta
12/13/2022: 12 p.m. – 4:30 p.m., Spartan Light Metal, 510 East McClurken
12/13/2022: 1 p.m. – 6 p.m., VFW Post 2698, 1911 North Market Street
Chester
12/14/2022: 12:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m., American Legion Hall, 500 East Opdyke
Sainte Genevieve
12/15/2022: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., Ste Genevieve County Memorial Hospital, 800 Ste Genevieve Dr
Perryville
12/15/2022: 12 p.m. – 4 p.m., Robinson Construction Company, 2411 Walters Lane
Perryville
12/19/2022: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m., Heartland Baptist Church, 829 West St Joseph Street
Perryville
12/21/2022: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., Caring Hands – Catalyst Center, 508 North Main
Perryville
12/28/2022: 12:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m., Perryville Elks Lodge, 921 North Perryville Boulevard
Bloomsdale
12/29/2022: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., Knights of Columbus, 175 Jersey Lane
How to donate blood
Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enable the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device 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, before arriving at the blood drive. To get started, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Blood Donor App.
Amplify Your Impact − Volunteer!
Another way to support the lifesaving mission of the Red Cross is to become a volunteer blood donor ambassador at Red Cross blood drives. Blood donor ambassadors help greet, check-in and thank blood donors to ensure they have a positive donation experience.
Volunteers can also serve as transportation specialists, playing a vital role in ensuring lifesaving blood products are delivered to nearby hospitals. For more information and to apply for a either position, contact Kristin Pendleton at Kristin.Pendleton@redcross.org, or call/text: 314-281-7968.
About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.