The American Red Cross will be hosting multiple blood drives in central Nebraska as the call for blood is as strong as ever. The Red Cross needs the public’s help to re-supply the dwindling amount of blood due to canceled blood drives in the spring. The Red Cross urges donors of all blood types to give now to help prevent delays in medical care this summer.
Six years ago, doctors told Jacqueline Rogers’ family that there wasn’t enough type O negative blood available to perform her open-heart surgery. This news that her surgery was postponed was scary for Jacqueline, just 8 at the time, who was born with a congenital heart disorder.
“No blood means no surgery. I thought I was going to die.” Fortunately, blood donors stepped up, and Jacqueline’s surgery was successfully completed a week later.
To draw attention that blood types sometimes do go missing from hospital shelves, A’s, B’s and O’s began disappearing on June 11 from iconic brand logos, social media pages, signs and websites as part of the Missing Types campaign. The campaign is raising awareness of the need for more blood donors.
While thousands of blood donors have answered the call to fill the Missing Types, more donors are needed now to help ensure patients don’t have to wait for blood products.
During the summer, especially around holidays like Independence Day, donations often don’t keep pace with patient needs. The Red Cross is thanking all those who come to donate July 1-6 with an exclusive Red Cross Missing Types T-shirt, while supplies last.
Make an appointment to donate blood by downloading the free Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
Upcoming blood donation opportunities June 25-July 15
Brown
Ainsworth
7/2/2019: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., St Pius X Catholic Church, 915 E 3rd Street
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Cherry
Valentine
7/3/2019: 11:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m., St. Nicholas Catholic Church, 400 West 5th Street
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Custer
Arnold
7/8/2019: 8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., Community Center, 204 S Carroll St
Broken Bow
7/10/2019: 8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., Elk’s Lodge, 625 S. 10th
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Greeley
Spalding
7/9/2019: 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., Spalding City Auditorium, St. Joseph Ave.
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Thomas
Thedford
7/2/2019: 12 p.m. – 6 p.m., Thomas County Fairgrounds, 83861 Highway 83
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Valley
Ord
7/3/2019: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., Valley County Health System Foundation, 207 S. 26th 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% 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.
