Red Cross critically needs donors after winter weather adds to severe blood shortage
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (Jan. 18, 2017) – Following several rounds of severe winter weather in many parts of the country, the American Red Cross urges eligible blood and platelet donors to help restock its shelves to overcome a shortage.
Since Dec. 1, about 300 blood drives across 27 states have been forced to cancel due to inclement winter weather, resulting in more than 10,500 blood and platelet donations going uncollected. Despite the weather, hospital patients still rely on transfusions.
Blood donor Jim Taylor knows how it feels to have a loved one waiting for a transfusion. His son Aaron was born with a rare liver condition. In the short two months of his life, he received 115 blood products. Taylor said each transfusion gave his family more time with Aaron, so he encourages others to give.
“When the Red Cross says there is a shortage, they are not exaggerating,” said Taylor. “I now know from experience that what they are saying is somewhere there is a father waiting on the donation that will save his son’s life. When the Red Cross asks for help, what that means is a new dad is praying for a miracle.”
To make an appointment to give blood, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). Donors are encouraged to make appointments and complete the RapidPass online health history questionnaire at redcrossblood.org/rapidpass to save time when donating.
Upcoming blood donation opportunities:
Stockwell Blood Donation Center, 29 South Stockwell Road Evansville, IN 47714
1/23/2017: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
1/24/2017: 12 p.m. – 6 p.m.
2/3/2017: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
2/13/2017: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Deaconess Hospital, 600 Mary St. Evansville, IN 47747
1/25/2017: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Good Shepherd Catholic Church / School, 2301 N. Stockwell Evansville, IN 47715
1/29/2017: 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.
St. James West United Methodist Church, 3111 Hillcrest Terrace Evansville, IN 47712
2/5/2017: 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Washington Avenue Church of Christ, 4001 Washington Ave. Evansville, IN 47714
2/12/2017: 12:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Newburgh United Methodist Church, 4178 Highway 261 Newburgh, IN 47630
2/8/2017: 3 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Henderson Community College, 2660 S. Green St. Henderson, KY 42420
2/1/2017: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Holy Name Church, 511 Second St. Henderson, KY 42420
2/5/2017: 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Presbyterian Church, 100 South Main St. Henderson, KY 42420
2/6/2017: 1:30 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Community Baptist Church, 1026 Pebble Creek Drive Henderson, KY 42420
2/8/2017: 2 p.m. – 6 p.m.
First Baptist Church of Taylorsville, 115 W. Main St. Taylorsville, KY 40071
1/31/2017: 2 p.m. – 6 p.m.
John Paul II Catholic School, 307 South Church Street, P.O. Box 224 Morganfield, KY 42437
2/15/2017: 2:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
How to help
Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) 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 donors can now 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, prior to arriving at the blood drive. To get started and learn more, visit redcrossblood.org/RapidPass and follow the instructions on the site.
About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.