Submitted
The American Red Cross urgently needs blood donors to make an appointment now to give and help ensure patients can get the treatment they need at a moment’s notice.
In November 2016, a 100-foot maple tree fell on Mike McMahon, causing life-threatening injuries. He needed 11 units of blood during emergency surgery and another seven units to treat complications after. Six weeks following the accident, McMahon was released from the hospital – just in time to spend the holidays with his family.
“I’m grateful for the donors who gave me such an amazing gift – the gift of life,” said McMahon. “I was an occasional blood donor before the accident. Today, I donate as often as I can to help ensure others receive blood when they need it most.”
Now is an important time to give blood A seasonal decline in donations occurs from Thanksgiving to New Year’s Day when donors get busy with family gatherings and travel. In addition, severe winter weather can cause blood drive cancellations and negatively affect the blood supply. Patients like McMahon can’t afford for there to be a shortage of blood.
Give the gift of life – make an appointment to donate blood by downloading the free American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
As a special thank-you for helping meet the urgent need, those who come to give Dec. 20 through Jan. 6 will receive a long-sleeved Red Cross T-shirt, while supplies last.
Upcoming blood donation opportunities Dec. 20-Jan. 15
Decatur County
Jennings
1/4/2019: 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m., United Methodist Church, 202 S Topeka Ave
Ellis County
Hays Blood Donation Center
208 E. Eighth St.
Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays: 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Fridays: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Hays
12/21/2018: 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., USD 489 District Office, 323 W 12th
12/29/2018: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Big Creek Crossing Mall, 2938 Vine St.
1/2/2019: 11:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m., Sunflower Bank, 4720 Roth
1/4/2019: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., Big Creek Crossing Mall, 2938 Vine St.
1/5/2019: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., Battle of the Badges – Ellis County, 208 East 8th
Gove County
Grinnell
12/21/2018: 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., VFW, 92 S. Oak
Quinter
12/20/2018: 12 p.m. – 5:30 p.m., Church of the Brethren, 700 Grant
Osborne County
Osborne
1/15/2019: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., Veteran’s Building, 123 W Main St.
Phillips County
Logan
1/9/2019: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., Logan High School, 305 N. Sherman
Rawlins County
Atwood
12/26/2018: 12 p.m. – 5 p.m., Knights of Columbus, Lake Road
Russell County
Lucas
1/11/2019: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., United Methodist Church, 332 N. Main St.
Luray
12/21/2018: 12:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m., Luray Community Center, 115 S. Main
Russell
1/14/2019: 12:15 p.m. – 6:15 p.m., Fossil Creek Inn & Suites, 1430 S. Fossil
Sherman County
Goodland
12/27/2018: 12 p.m. – 6 p.m., Harvest Evangelical Church, 521 E. HWY 24
Thomas County
Colby
12/20/2018: 7:45 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., Colby Community Building, 285 East 5th
Wallace County
Sharon Springs
1/3/2019: 12 p.m. – 6 p.m., Community Building, 316 W Roman St.
How to donate blood
Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) 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.
About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent 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.