Eight blood drives planned for PB as Red Cross sees urgent need for blood

The American Red Cross has an urgent need for blood donations to prevent another blood shortage as hospitals resume surgical procedures and patient treatments that were temporarily paused earlier this spring in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Healthy individuals who are feeling well are asked to make an appointment to donate in the weeks and months ahead by downloading the free Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enabling the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device.

In recent weeks, hospital demand for blood products has grown by 30% after sharply declining in early April amid this rapidly changing and complex public health crisis. At the same time, blood drives continue to be canceled as many businesses and community organizations remain closed. Donors are needed to make and keep scheduled appointments to help meet the current need.

All those who come to give through May 31 will receive a special Red Cross T-shirt by mail, while supplies last. And thanks to Amazon, all those who come to give June 1-30 will receive a $5 Amazon.com Gift Card via email.

“Blood donors have played a vital role in the lives of patients who have needed lifesaving transfusions during this pandemic, and patients continue to depend on donors each and every day,” said Paul Sullivan, senior vice president, Red Cross Blood Services. “The Red Cross appreciates the support of those who rolled up a sleeve to give in recent months, but the need doesn’t stop. We need the public’s help to avoid another blood shortage this summer.”

It’s important to remember that red blood cells must be transfused within 42 days of donation and platelets within just five days. So, they must constantly be replenished. There is no known end date in this fight against coronavirus, and the Red Cross urgently needs the help of donors and blood drive hosts to ensure blood products are readily available for patients.

Blood drive safety precautions

Each Red Cross blood drive and donation center follows the highest standards of safety and infection control, and additional precautions – including temperature checks, social distancing and face coverings for donors and staff – have been implemented to ensure the health of all those in attendance. Donors are asked to schedule an appointment prior to arriving at the drive and are required to wear a face covering or mask while at the drive, in alignment with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention public guidance.  

Upcoming blood donation opportunities:

__Butler__

Poplar Bluff

June 1, 2-6 p.m., First United Methodist Church, 500 North Main St.

June 2, 1-6 p.m., First United Methodist Church, 500 North Main St.

June 3, 2-6 p.m., American Legion Post 153, 2320 Kanell Blvd.

June 4, 2-6 p.m., Temple Baptist Church, 1813 Barron Road

June 9, 2-6 p.m., Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 2414 Katy Lane

June 12, 10 a.m-2 p.m., The Excel Center, 2233 North Westwood Blvd.

June 15, 2-6 p.m., Poplar Bluff Eagles Lodge, 1400 South Broadway

__Dunklin__

Malden

June 16, 2-6 p.m., First General Baptist Church, 601 Barrett Drive

__Stoddard__

Dexter

June 2, 2:30-6:30 p.m., United Methodist Church, 501 South Walnut

Puxico

June 4, 2-6 p.m., First Baptist Church, 125 South Turnbaugh St.

__Wayne__

Wappapello

June 16, 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., Lake Wappapello United Methodist, State Highway D

About blood donation

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.