ST. LOUIS–When every second counts, blood products can provide lifesaving care. The American Red Cross asks the public to give blood or platelets during Trauma Awareness Month in May to keep hospitals prepared for all transfusion needs, including emergencies. Type O negative blood donors are especially needed right now.
The power of type O blood
- Type O negative is the universal blood type and what emergency room personnel reach for when there is no time to determine a patient’s blood type in the most serious situations.
- Type O positive blood is the most used blood type because it can be transfused to Rh-positive patients of any blood type.
Medical traumas can quickly deplete hospital blood banks. Once patients are stabilized and their blood type is determined, they will receive a matching blood type, so it’s important donors of all types give now and help save lives by downloading the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
In thanks, all who come to give May 1-19 will receive a $10 e-gift card to a merchant of choice. Plus, May 1-31, those who come to give will be automatically entered for a chance to win a trip for two to the 2023 MLB® All-Star Game® in Seattle. The getaway includes two tickets to the 2023 MLB® All-Star Game® thanks to the support of Fanatics, round-trip airfare, four-night hotel accommodations, a $750 gift card and more. Additionally, those who come to give May 20-31 will receive an exclusive Red Cross beach towel, while supplies last.*
Upcoming blood drives in the River Region:
Chester
5/9/2023: 11:30 a.m. – 4 p.m., Chester Memorial Hospital, 1900 State Street
Perryville
5/9/2023: 12 p.m. – 6 p.m., Perry Park Center, 800 City Park Drive
Perryville
5/11/2023: 12 p.m. – 4 p.m., Robinson Construction Company, 2411 Walters Lane
Sainte Genevieve
5/11/2023: 12 p.m. – 6 p.m., American Legion, 4th Street
Perryville
5/15/2023: 8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., Perry County Memorial Hospital, 434 North West Street
Coulterville
5/16/2023: 1:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m., Coulterville High School, 101 West Grant Street
Red Bud
5/18/2023: 12:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m., Red Bud Regional Hospital, 325 Spring Street
Sparta
5/23/2023: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., Sparta Community Hospital, Broadway Plaza, Suite 3
Sainte Genevieve
5/25/2023: 1 p.m. – 5 p.m., Progress Sports Complex., 1300 Progress Parkway
Evansville
5/31/2023: 12:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m., Knights of Columbus, 303 Broad St.
How to donate blood
To make an appointment, 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. 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.
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.
*Terms apply for all offers. See rcblood.org/team for details.