Share Your Good Health: Donate Blood This Season

Mike Healey’s son was born prematurely, weighing 3 pounds, and immediately needed blood. “I gave blood the next day and have done it 56 times since then,” he said. Though Healey’s son spent his first 49 days of life in the neonatal intensive care unit, he has thrived and is now a healthy, 10-year-old little league baseball player. “I will never forget whoever selflessly gave blood for my son.”

A decline in donations occurs from Thanksgiving to New Year’s Day when donors are busy with holiday activities and travel. However, patients don’t get a holiday break from needing lifesaving transfusions. In fact, every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood.

By giving blood or platelets, donors may give patients more time – and more holidays – with loved ones. Make an appointment to give 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 in the region Nov. 16-30

Fellowship Baptist Church, 890 Senior Ave. Vienna, IL. 62995
11/20/2017: noon - 6 p.m.

First Baptist Church, Monroe St. and Jefferson St. Golconda, IL. 62938
11/28/2017: 12:30 - 5:30 p.m.

Cross Road United Methodist Church, 1289 Ullin Road, Ullin, IL. 62992
11/28/2017: noon - 4 p.m.

St. John's Episcopal Church, 1620 W. Main St. Murray, KY. 42071
11/16/2017: 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Fulton County High School, 2740 Moscow Road, Hickman, KY. 42050
11/17/2017: 7:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

American Legion, 211 S. 7th, Mayfield, KY. 42066
11/21/2017: 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.

First United Methodist Church, 210 S. Washington St. Clinton, KY. 42031
11/27/2017: noon - 6 p.m.

Livingston Hospital Health Care Services, 131 Hospital Drive, Salem, KY. 42078
11/29/2017: 12:30 - 4:30 p.m.

Woodmen Life, 1005 Poplar S

t. Benton, KY. 42025
11/20/2017: noon - 6 p.m.

Paducah Blood Donation Center, 4635 Falconcrest Drive, Paducah, KY. 42001
11/16/2017: 11:45 a.m. - 6:15 p.m.
11/17/2017: 8:45 a.m. - 3:45 p.m.
11/18/2017: 7:45 a.m. - 2:45 p.m.
11/19/2017: 7:45 a.m. - 2:15 p.m.
11/20/2017: 11:45 a.m. - 6:45 p.m.
11/21/2017: 8:45 a.m. - 3:45 p.m.
11/24/2017: 8:45 a.m. - 3:45 p.m.
11/25/2017: 7:45 a.m. - 2:45 p.m.
11/26/2017: 7:45 a.m. - 2:15 p.m.
11/27/2017: 11:45 a.m. - 6:45 p.m.
11/28/2017: 8:45 a.m. - 3:45 p.m.
11/30/2017: 11:45 a.m. - 6:45 p.m.

St. Henry's Knights of Columbus, 303 S. 6th St. Charleston, MO. 63834
11/20/2017: 12:30 - 5:30 p.m.

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, from a computer or mobile device. To get started and learn more, visit redcrossblood.org/RapidPass and follow the instructions on the site.

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.