Chance at trip to Florida + $10 Amazon.com Gift Card for coming to give blood or platelets

 

BIRMINGHAM, Feb. 15, 2023 — One in 7 patients entering a hospital will need a blood transfusion. At the same time, only about 3% of Americans give blood. The American Red Cross needs more people to make and keep appointments to give blood or platelets in February and has three great reasons to do so:

 

• Help prevent a blood shortage: Winter brings seasonal illness and dangerous weather, which can hurt the blood supply. When donors give now, they can help ensure blood is on hospital shelves when it’s needed.
• It’s Heart Month: During a blood donation appointment, the Red Cross checks donors’ blood pressure and pulse, which are important indicators of heart health.
• Treat yourself: All who come to give in February will get a $10 Amazon.com Gift Card by email, thanks to Amazon. Those who come to donate this month will also automatically be entered to win a trip for two to Clearwater Beach, Florida. Details are available at RedCrossBlood.org/heart.

 

Donors of all blood types – particularly type O blood donors, the most needed blood group by hospitals – and platelet donors are needed daily to meet demand. Protect the blood supply from dropping – book a time to give blood or platelets by visiting RedCrossBlood.org, downloading the Red Cross Blood Donor App, or calling 1-800-RED CROSS.

 

Upcoming blood donation opportunities Feb. 15-28

ALABAMA

Baldwin

 

Fairhope

2/16/2023: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m., St. Michael Catholic High School, 11732 Higbee Rd

 

Foley

2/17/2023: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., South Baldwin Regional Medical Center, 1613 North McKenzie St

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Clarke

 

Thomasville

2/28/2023: 2 p.m. – 6 p.m., Thomasville United Methodist Church, 120 Old Highway 5 North

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Jackson

 

Scottsboro

2/27/2023: 1 p.m. – 6 p.m., Calvary Baptist Scottsboro, 305 County Park Rd

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Perry

 

Marion

2/23/2023: 10:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Marion Military Institute, 1101 Washington St

MISSISSIPPI

Harrison

 

Biloxi

2/18/2023: noon – 5 p.m., Egewater Mall, Edgewater Mall, 2600 Beach Blvd.

2/27/2023: 1 p.m. – 6 p.m., Edgewater Mall, 2600 Beach Blvd

2/28/2023: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m., The Salvation Army Kroc Center, 575 Division St

 

Gulfport

2/16/2023: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., NCBC Gulfport, 4902 Marvin Sheilds Blvd

2/17/2023: 11 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., ARC – South Mississippi Chapter – Weekly, 612 E Pass Rd

2/22/2023: 7:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., Memorial Hospital Medical Office Building, 4500 13th St

2/22/2023: 12:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m., Memorial Hospital Medical Office Building, 4500 13th St

2/23/2023: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Emergency Management EOC, 1801 23rd Ave

2/24/2023: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., The Claiborne at Gulfport Highlands, 11837 Highland Cir

2/24/2023: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., ARC – South Mississippi Chapter – Weekly, 612 E Pass Rd

2/27/2023: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., Gulf Coast Event Center, 9475 US 49

2/27/2023: 1 p.m. – 6 p.m., St. Peter’s by-the-Sea Episcopal Church, 1909 15th St

 

Long Beach

2/27/2023: noon – 5 p.m., St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church-Long Beach, 720 East Beach Blvd.

 

Pass Christian

2/28/2023: 1 p.m. – 6 p.m., Walmart, 1617 E. Beach Blvd.

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Jackson

 

Ocean Springs

2/20/2023: 1 p.m. – 6 p.m., The Cypress Taphouse, 6616 Rose Farm Rd

2/21/2023: 1:30 p.m. – 6 p.m., Latimer Community Center, 10908 Tucker Rd

 

 

 

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.

 

Amplify your impact − volunteer!

Another way to support the lifesaving mission of the Red Cross is to become a volunteer blood donor ambassador at Red Cross blood drives. Blood donor ambassadors help greet, check-in and thank blood donors to ensure they have a positive donation experience.

 

Volunteers can also serve as transportation specialists, playing a vital role in ensuring lifesaving blood products are delivered to nearby hospitals. For more information and to apply for either position, visit redcross.org/volunteertoday.

 

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% 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 visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.