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Red Cross Needs Healthy Blood Donors

Red Cross Needs Healthy Blood Donors
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By WestKyStar & Red Cross Staff
Oct. 18, 2018 | WESTERN KENTUCKY
By WestKyStar & Red Cross Staff Oct. 18, 2018 | 08:52 PM | WESTERN KENTUCKY
Flu season doesn’t just mean absences at work and school – it also means fewer blood and platelet donors are able to give. The Red Cross is calling for healthy donors to maintain the blood supply this fall, especially after recent hurricanes disrupted thousands of blood and platelet donations in the Southeast.

Blood and platelets can only be given by donors who are feeling well. One way to maintain health is to get a flu vaccine each fall. There is no waiting period to give blood or platelets after receiving a flu shot as long as the donor is symptom-free and fever-free. 

Stay healthy this flu season and 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). 

Donors of all blood types, especially type O, are needed this fall after Hurricanes Michael and Florence forced the cancellation of about 200 blood drives, causing approximately 7,000 units of blood and platelets to go uncollected. 

Upcoming blood donation opportunities Nov. 1-15
Murray State University, Chestnut St. Murray, KY. 42071
11/12/2018: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
11/13/2018: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

St. John's Episcopal Church, 1620 W. Main St. Murray, KY. 42071
11/15/2018: 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Bardwell Baptist Church, 323 US Highway 51 South, Bardwell, KY . 42023
11/1/2018: noon - 6 p.m.

Carlisle County High School, 4557 State Route 1377, Bardwell, KY. 42023
11/7/2018: 8:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

First Baptist Church, 115 Second St. Fulton, KY. 42041
11/6/2018: noon - 4 p.m.

Fancy Farm Elementary School, 270 St. Route 339 S. Fancy Farm, KY. 42039
11/12/2018: 1 - 6 p.m.

First Baptist Church Kuttawa, Walnut Drive, Kuttawa, KY. 42055
11/8/2018: 12:30 - 5:30 p.m.

South Marshall Elementary School, 155 Sid Darnell Road, Benton, KY. 42025
11/9/2018: 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Benton Elementary School, 208 W. 11th St. Benton, KY. 42025
11/14/2018: 1 - 6 p.m.

First Baptist Church, 1st St. Ash St. Calvert City, KY. 42029
11/5/2018: noon - 6 p.m.

St. John's Catholic Church, 6705 Old Highway 45, Lone Oak, KY. 42001
11/11/2018: 8 a.m. – noon

Paducah Blood Donation Center, 4635 Falconcrest Dr., Paducah, KY. 42001
11/1/2018: 11:45 a.m. - 6:15 p.m.
11/2/2018: 8:45 a.m. - 3:15 p.m.
11/3/2018: 7:45 a.m. - 2:45 p.m.
11/4/2018: 7:45 a.m. - 2:15 p.m.
11/5/2018: 11:45 a.m. - 6:15 p.m.
11/6/2018: 8:45 a.m. - 3:15 p.m.
11/8/2018: 11:45 a.m. - 6:15 p.m.
11/9/2018: 8:45 a.m. - 3:15 p.m.
11/10/2018: 7:45 a.m. - 2:45 p.m.
11/11/2018: 7:45 a.m. - 2:15 p.m.
11/12/2018: 11:45 a.m. - 6:15 p.m.
11/13/2018: 8:45 a.m. - 3:15 p.m.
11/15/2018: 11:45 a.m. - 6:15 p.m.

First Christian Church, 415 Audubon Drive, Paducah, KY. 42001
11/5/2018: 11:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

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.

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.
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