December 3rd, 2019 – 12:00 PM
Red Cross Press Release –
Those who come to give through Dec. 18 will receive a $5 Amazon.com Gift Card (Dec. 2, 2019) Between Thanksgiving and Christmas, more than 1 million units of blood could be transfused in the United States. Individuals are urged to give a life-saving gift this holiday season by making an appointment to donate blood or platelets and help the American Red Cross ensure a sufficient supply is available for patients throughout the holiday season. Those with type O blood are especially needed.
How blood donation impacts lives: On Sept. 28, 2018, MaKenzie Schienebeck experienced a complication during her pregnancy and found herself losing blood extremely fast. She was in and out of consciousness and felt her life slipping away. Schienebeck was given blood transfusions on the way to the hospital, during emergency surgery and after surgery. “I would not be alive today if it was not for the American Red Cross and the gracious donors who gave their blood,” said Schienebeck. “Blood is more than just blood. It’s the key to saving lives.” During the holiday season, set aside an hour to give blood and be the lifeline patients need.
Make an appointment now 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 thanks for helping meet the urgent need, those who come to give blood or platelets now through Dec. 18 will receive a $5 Amazon.com Gift Card via email, courtesy of Suburban Propane. (Restrictions apply; see amazon.com/gc-legal. More information and details are available at RedCrossBlood.org/Thanks.)
Upcoming blood donation opportunities Dec. 2-31:
GA
Bartow
Cartersville
12/2/2019: 2 p.m. – 6 p.m., Planet Fitness Cartersville, 867 Joe Frank Harris Parkway
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Polk
Cedartown
12/2/2019: 2 p.m. – 7 p.m., First Baptist Church, 144 Essex St.
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Bartow
Cartersville
12/5/2019: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., Georgia Highlands College, 5441 Highway 20
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Floyd
Rome
12/11/2019: 3 p.m. – 7 p.m., Westminister Presbyterian Church, 1941 Shorter Ave
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Polk
Rockmart
12/11/2019: 8:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., Rockmart High School, 990 Cartersville Hwy.
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Gordon
Calhoun
12/16/2019: 2 p.m. – 7 p.m., Crane Eater Community Church, 3168 Red Bud Road
Fairmount
12/16/2019: 1 p.m. – 6 p.m., Fairmount Community Center, 11921 Fairmount Highway East
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Bartow
Cartersville
12/26/2019: 12 p.m. – 5 p.m., AMC, 1129 North Tennessee Street
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Gordon
Calhoun
12/26/2019: 1 p.m. – 6 p.m., First United Methodist Church Calhoun, 205 East Line Street
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Bartow
Cartersville
12/31/2019: 12 p.m. – 5:30 p.m., Cartersville Civic Ctr., 435 West Main 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.
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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. Volunteers needed
Another way to support the lifesaving mission of the American Red Cross is to become volunteer transportation specialists and deliver lifesaving blood products to local area hospitals. Volunteer transportation specialists play a very important role in ensuring an ample blood supply for patients in need by transporting blood and blood products. For more information and to apply for a volunteer transportation specialist position visit rdcrss.org/driver. About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters feed and provide emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.