JONESBORO, Ark. — The American Red Cross is calling on people to schedule their blood donation appointments now to help medical centers stay ready and respond quickly to emergencies. Having blood products immediately available is a key part of summer safety.
With millions of Americans expected to hit the road around Memorial Day and spend time boating, swimming, camping and enjoying the outdoors, the risk of traumatic accidents rises. Blood on hospital shelves helps meet the demand when people experience critical injuries and massive bleeding. During Trauma Awareness Month, the Red Cross highlights this need by asking donors of all blood types to give now to support all patients who count on transfusions for care.
Book your time to give lifesaving blood now. To schedule, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS or use the Red Cross Blood Donor App.
Those who come to give by May 31 will receive an oversized Red Cross beach towel, while supplies last.
All who come to give June 1-28 will receive a $15 e-gift card to a merchant of their choice, plus be automatically entered for a chance to win one of two $7,500 gift cards. Visit RedCrossBlood.org/June.
Upcoming blood donation opportunities include:
Craighead County
- Bono – June 1, 1-6 p.m., Church of Christ, 101 Craftsbury Lane
- Brookland – May 29, 1:30-5:30 p.m., Turnpoint Church, 9358 U.S. 49
- Jonesboro – May 27, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., American Red Cross Jonesboro, 2416 S. Madison Street; June 4, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Earl Bell Community Center, 1212 S. Church; June 5, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Barton’s Lumber & Home Outlet, 2016 S. Caraway Rd.; June 5, Noon – 4 p.m., St. John’s Missionary Baptist Church, 308 N. Main St.
Cross County
- Wynne – May 27, 11:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., CrossRidge Community Hospital, 310 S. Falls Blvd.
Greene County
- Paraguld – June 5, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., Greene County Public Library, 120 N. 12th St.
Jackson County
- Newport – June 5, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m., Merchants and Planters Bank, 915 Highway 367 N.
Lawrence County
- Walnut Ridge – May 29, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., Lawrence Memorial Hospital, 201 S. Memorial Drive
Mississippi County
- Blytheville – June 5, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., Pilgrim Rest M.B. Church, 809 E. Main
St. Francis County
- Forrest City – June 4, Noon – 5 p.m., Forrest City First United Methodist Church, 101 S. Izard Street.
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.
About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters, supplies about 40 percent 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 follow us on social media.
