MACON (May 12, 2021) — While preparing to enjoy a long Memorial Day weekend, including time to honor fallen soldiers by helping to save lives at the 9th annual 41NBC Blood Drive May 26 through 28 at various locations. With no known end date to the coronavirus fight, the American Red Cross is encouraging healthy individuals to make appointments to donate blood to ensure blood remains readily available for patients who still rely on transfusions.
Presented donors will receive a limited-edition Red Cross T-shirt, while supplies last! Also, those who come to give throughout May will also automatically be entered for a chance to win a travel trailer camper, powered by Suburban Propane. Restrictions apply. Additional information and details are available at RedCrossBlood.org/SummerFullOfLife.
Donations often decline around holidays like Memorial Day and donors, especially those with type O blood, are needed in May to help ensure blood products are available for patients now and into summer. But what about those who’ve received a COVID-19 vaccine – can they donate?
As long as donors are symptom-free, feeling well, and can provide the vaccine manufacturer’s name, there’s no waiting period required after receiving a COVID-19 vaccine currently authorized in the U.S. Additional blood donation eligibility information is available at RedCrossBlood.org/Eligibility.
It’s important to remember that red blood cells must be transfused within 42 days of donation and platelets within just five days. So, they must constantly be replenished. There is no known end date in this fight against coronavirus, and the Red Cross urgently needs the help of donors and blood drive hosts to ensure blood products are readily available for patients.
Blood drive safety precautions
Each Red Cross blood drive and donation center follows the highest standards of safety and infection control, and additional precautions – including temperature checks, social distancing, and face coverings for donors and staff – have been implemented to ensure the health of all those in attendance. Donors are asked to schedule an appointment prior to arriving at the drive and are required to wear a face-covering or mask while at the drive, in alignment with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention public guidance.
Help save lives at one of the following blood drives:
How to donate blood
Simply download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org sponsor code 41NBC or 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.
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.