The American Red Cross and Discovery are partnering for Shark Week and invite people to dive in to help save lives by giving blood or platelets in July. The Red Cross saw a steep drop in blood and platelet donations last month, and donors are asked to make appointments now to prevent a blood shortage this summer.
In June, the Red Cross collected approximately 12% fewer blood donations than needed – one of the largest monthly blood donation shortfalls in recent years. Here in the Missouri and Arkansas Region, 1,451 fewer donations were made than expected. When less people answer the call to donate, the blood supply shrinks – and that could mean blood products aren’t ready for hospital staff to reach for in emergencies.
Thanks to Discovery, all who come to give blood or platelets in July will automatically be entered for a chance to win an exclusive Shark Week merchandise package that includes: beach bike; smokeless portable fire pit; paddle board; kayak; and $500 gift card to put toward accessories.
Those who come to give July 21-24 will get an exclusive Shark Week T-shirt from Discovery, while supplies last. Details are available at rcblood.org/sharkweek.
By making and keeping blood and platelet donation appointments in July, donors can connect with patients through a lifesaving gift. To book a time to give, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
Upcoming blood donation opportunities July 7-31:
Butler
Poplar Bluff
7/8: 12 p.m. - 5 p.m., Greater Poplar Bluff Chamber of Commerce, 1111 West Pine
7/13: 10:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., FCC Behavioral Health, 3001 Warrior Lane
7/15: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center, 3100 Oak Grove Road
7/18: 1-5 p.m., Poplar Bluff Eagles Lodge, 1400 South Broadway
7/20: 11 a.m. - 3 p.m., Southern Bank Poplar Bluff, 2991 Oak Grove Road
7/21: 1:30-5:30 p.m., Poplar Bluff Seventh-Day Adventist Church, 2509 Roxie Road
7/25: 9 a.m. - 2 p.m., The Towers, 302 North East Street
7/27: 11 a.m. - 4 p.m., Mid Continent Nail, 2700 Central Avenue
7/29: 9 a.m. - 2 p.m., EBO MD, 2725 North Westwood Blvd
Carter
Ellsinore
7/14: 1-5 p.m., Ellsinore General Baptist Church, 16 North Herren
Dunklin
Campbell
7/12: 1-5 p.m., Campbell Community Center, 705 West Grand Avenue
Clarkton
7/19: 1 p.m. - 5 p.m., Clarkton High School, Highway 162
Kennett
7/19: 1:30-5:30 p.m., First United Methodist Church, 300 College Avenue
Stoddard
Dexter
7/21: noon-4 p.m., Rick Shipman Construction Inc., 1131 St. Francis Dr
7/25: 1-5 p.m., Saint Francis Health Center- Dexter, 1212 Saint Francis Drive
7/26: 1:30-5:30 p.m., United Methodist Church, 501 South Walnut
7/28: 12:30-5:30 p.m., Dexter Parks and Recreation, 500 Fair Ground Drive
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.