Blood donors needed to prevent February shortage

OMAHA, Neb. — Spring is close, but February often brings unpredictable winter weather that can cause blood drive cancellations and make it difficult for donors to make it to their appointments safely. As the American Red Cross continues to monitor seasonal challenges that could impact the blood supply, donors are urged to make and keep appointments to help prevent a shortage in the weeks to come. 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.

A blood drive is set for Thursday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the McCook Community College student union, 1202 E. Third.

In thanks for helping keep hospital shelves stocked, 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.  

 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.  

Other upcoming blood donation opportunities through February:

Benkelman — 3/1/2023: 12 p.m. - 5:30 p.m., 4-H Exhibit Building, 70495 Ave  338, Fairgrounds

Curtis — 3/1/2023: 12 p.m. - 6 p.m., Curtis Community Bulding, 201 Garlick Avenue

Maywood — 2/13/2023: 12 p.m. - 6 p.m., Community Hall, 202 N. Commercial Street

Arapahoe — 2/9/2023: 12:30 p.m. - 6 p.m., Ella Missing Community Building, 411 6th Street

Oxford — 2/15/2023: 9:30 a.m. - 3 p.m., Southern Valley High School, 43739 Highway 89

Indianola — 2/8/2023: 12:30 p.m. - 6 p.m., Indianola VFW Community Hall, 408 F Street

McCook — 2/21/2023: 12:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m., McCook Community Building, 1412 West 5th

McCook — 2/22/2023: 11 a.m. - 5 p.m., McCook Community Building, 1412 West 5th

 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, contact 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.