ST. LOUIS — The American Red Cross and Discovery are partnering for Shark Week and invite people to dive in to help save lives by giving blood or platelets in July. The Red Cross saw a steep drop in blood and platelet donations last month, and donors are asked to make appointments now to prevent a blood shortage this summer.
In June, the Red Cross collected approximately 12 percent fewer blood donations than needed – one of the largest monthly blood donation shortfalls in recent years. Here in the Missouri and Arkansas Region, 1,451 fewer donations were made than expected. When less people answer the call to donate, the blood supply shrinks – and that could mean blood products aren’t ready for hospital staff to reach for in emergencies.
Thanks to Discovery, all who come to give blood or platelets in July will automatically be entered for a chance to win an exclusive Shark Week merchandise package that includes:
- Beach bike
- Smokeless portable fire pit
- Paddle board
- Kayak
- $500 gift card to put toward accessories
Those who come to give July 21-24 will get an exclusive Shark Week T-shirt from Discovery, while supplies last. Details are available at rcblood.org/sharkweek.
Annual blood drive in honor of Sgt. Jon Brough headlines upcoming opportunities:
For the 16th consecutive year the American Red Cross and former Belleville (Illinois) Police Sergeant Jon Brough are teaming up to host a blood drive in his honor on Tuesday, July 12 at the Catholic War Veteran’s Post 370, 3535 S. Route 159 in Freeburg.
For the past 15 years, Sgt. Brough has been a tireless supporter of the Red Cross and knows personally how important it is to maintain a sufficient supply of blood products. In November 2006, he was injured in the line of duty and received 25 units of blood. Due to his injuries, Sgt. Brough has had 32 surgeries and most have required blood products and blood transfusions. 1,134 donations of lifesaving blood have been collected in his honor at this drive, including a record total of 133 donations in 2021.
By making and keeping blood and platelet donation appointments in July, donors can connect with patients through a lifesaving gift. To book a time to give, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). To donate at Sgt. Brough’s drive enter/mention the sponsor code JonBrough.
Upcoming River Region blood donation opportunities July 7-31:
Perryville
7/11/2022: 8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., Perry County Memorial Hospital, 434 North West Street
Sparta
7/12/2022: 12 p.m. – 4:30 p.m., Spartan Light Metal, 510 East McClurken
Sainte Genevieve
7/14/2022: 12 p.m. – 6 p.m., First Baptist Church, 101 Basler Drive
Sparta
7/21/2022: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., Sparta Community Hospital, Broadway Plaza, Suite 3
Red Bud
7/21/2022: 12:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m., Red Bud Regional Hospital, 325 Spring Street
Frohna
7/25/2022: 1:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m., United in Christ Lutheran School, 10158 Highway C
Perryville
7/29/2022: 12 p.m. – 4 p.m., Robinson Construction Company, 2411 Walters Lane
Blood drive safety
The Red Cross follows a high standard of safety and infection control. The Red Cross will continue to socially distance wherever possible at blood drives, donation centers and facilities. While donors are no longer required to wear a face mask, individuals may choose to continue to wear a mask for any reason. The Red Cross will also adhere to more stringent face mask requirements per state and/or local guidance, or at the request of blood drive sponsors. Donors are asked to schedule an appointment prior to arriving at a drive.
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 either position, contact Kristin Pendleton at Kristin.Pendleton@redcross.org, or Call/Text: 314-281-7968 or visit https://www.redcross.org/volunteertoday.
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.