With the holidays upon us, the American Red Cross is asking Chippewa Valley residents to roll up their sleeves at the biannual Northwest Chapter Board of Directors blood drive, on Wednesday, December 20 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Red Cross office, 3728 Spooner Ave., Altoona. Donor appointments are needed to ensure a sufficient supply of blood is available for patients throughout the holiday season.
“We are fortunate our local Board of Directors takes time to organize a holiday blood drive each holiday season. Blood donations are critical to ensure that patients in need of lifesaving transfusions are able to receive the care they need at local health care centers,” said Mary Jane Thomsen, local Red Cross Executive Director. “Local blood donors can make a very real difference this holiday season by giving the gift that truly means something to those in need of blood products in our community.”
Blood donations typically drop off during the holiday season as travel, family gatherings, parties and other activities occupy so much time. But the need for blood to treat medical emergencies and illness is constant, so this year, the Red Cross is offering some special incentives to attract donors:
Thanks to Prime Video and their new film Candy Cane Lane, those who donate blood, platelets or AB Elite plasma will automatically be entered for a chance to win a $1,000 Amazon Gift Card and a 65-inch Amazon Fire TV.
Donors will also receive an exclusive Red Cross long-sleeved T-shirt, while supplies last.
Local Red Cross Northwest Chapter Executive Director Mary Jane Thomsen will be available to discuss the blood drive. Thomsen looks forward to spreading the word about the blood drive and the very real need for donors in our community over the holidays.
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.
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