CAPE GIRARDEAU — The American Red Cross and Southeast Missouri State University are once again teaming up for the annual Spring Greek Week Blood Drive March 27-30 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Student Recreation Center, 750 New Madrid, in Cape Girardeau.
While the Red Cross is no longer in a national blood crisis, the blood supply is still in a vulnerable position. The Red Cross and Southeast Missouri State University are inviting students, staff, faculty and the residents of the Cape and southeastern Missouri area to rally around this annual lifesaving cause. Last year’s blood drive collected over 1,000 donations, making it the second largest collegiate blood drive in the Missouri-Arkansas region in 2021, and amongst the top-10 overall in the region. For over 15 years, this blood drive has helped replenish the regional blood supply with over 15,000 blood donations collected. This year’s drive is expecting to collect over 975 donations.
The Spring Greek Week Blood Drive has continued to grow each year due to the hard work and effort put in by the students. Leading the way has been Kate Appleman, President of the Red Cross Club at Southeast Missouri State. Kate and her fellow students have embraced the lifesaving mission of the Red Cross and helped ensure that patients who need blood are being supported.
“Blood drives are one of my favorite things to do with the American Red Cross,” said Kate Appleman, President of the Red Cross Club at Southeast Missouri State University. “I am excited that my university has the opportunity to host such a huge drive. Last year, we collected 1,011 units and I hope that this year’s drive is an even bigger success. I can’t wait to see the impact this drive will make on thousands of people.”
All who attempt to give blood at this drive will get a $10 e-gift card, thanks to Fanatics. Plus, they will automatically be entered for a chance to win a trip for two to the 2022 MLB® All-Star Game® in Los Angeles, California, when you come to give March 1-31. The package includes two tickets to 2022 MLB® All-Star Saturday, the 2022 Home Run Derby, and the 2022 MLB® All-Star Game®, round-trip airfare to Los Angeles, four-night hotel accommodations (July 16-20, 2022), plus a $750 gift card for expenses. Details available at rcblood.org/team.
Every two seconds in the United States blood is needed to respond to patient emergencies, including accident and burn victims, heart surgery and organ transplant patients, and those receiving treatment for leukemia, cancer or sickle cell disease. The Red Cross must collect nearly 13,000 blood and more than 2,600 platelet donations every day for the patients at about 2,500 hospitals nationwide.
How to donate blood
Simply download the Red Cross Blood Donor App or visit RedCrossBlood.org, and enter sponsor code: SEMOGreekWeek, or 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.
COVID-19 antibody testing
The Red Cross has resumed testing all blood, platelet and plasma donations for COVID-19 antibodies for a limited time. Results may indicate an antibody response after receiving a COVID-19 vaccine or possible past exposure to this coronavirus – and may identify donations with antibody levels necessary to potentially help COVID-19 patients with weakened immune systems. Learn more.
Blood drive safety
Each Red Cross blood drive and donation center follows the highest standards of safety and infection control, and additional precautions – including face masks for donors and staff, regardless of vaccination status – have been implemented to help protect the health of all those in attendance. Donors are asked to schedule an appointment prior to arriving at the drive.
About the American Red Cross