‘Give blood, save lives’

Academies of West Memphis to host Red Cross blood drive

By Ralph Hardin

news@theeveningtimes.com

The American Red Cross says blood donors are needed now to help combat a critical need — and there are prizes!

Blood donatiions are always needed, but the American Red Cross continues to amplify the ongoing critical need for blood and platelets to keep the blood supply stable as fall begins.

Donors of all blood types, especially those with type O blood, those giving platelets and those who have never given before, are needed now.

“Only 3 out of 100 Americans donate blood,” said Jerrica Williams with the American Red Cross. “With the blood supply still at critical levels, every single donation is key to making sure all patients relying on lifesaving transfusions, including car accident victims and those living with sickle cell disease, get the care they need.”

To boost donations, the Red Cross is partnering with several area agencies and groups for its “Fall into donating blood or platelets” intiative.

“Make an appointment to give now by visiting RedCross-Blood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS or by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App,” said Williams. “In thanks, those who come to give by Sept. 30 will receive a $15 egift card to a merchant of choice.”

See RedCrossBlood.org/Fall for details.

And for those who can’t make it to a September blood drive, those who come to give Oct.

1-31 will receive a $10 Amazon. com Gift Card by email, plus be automatically entered for a chance to win one of three $5,000 gift cards.

For full details, visit Red-CrossBlood.org/Treat.

One upcoming opportunity is right here in Crittenden County. On Wednesday, Oct.

2, the Academies of West Memphis, 500 W. Broadway Ave., will be hosting a blood drive sponsored by the AWM Student Government Azociation. The blood drive will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Those interested in donating can register by going to http://www.redcrossblood.org/ give.html/donation-time.

For more inforation, email ahickman@wnsd.net.

How to donate blood

Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1800-RED CROSS (1-800733-2767) 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 checkin. 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/Rapid-Pass or use the Blood Donor App.

Photo courtesy of WMSD