Media contact: Katie Baratone Zwerk
Columbus, GA (Jan. 10, 2023) – As the busy holiday season winds down and the threat of severe winter weather and seasonal illness cases continue to rise, the American Red Cross is inviting donors to give blood now. In fact, during the week of Christmas, winter weather caused more than 300 blood drives to be canceled across the country, causing approximately 9,000 blood and platelet donations to go uncollected. To help tackle the need for blood donations, the American Red Cross of Georgia and News Leader 9 have teamed up to host a Blood Saves Lives Telethon on Tuesday, January 17.
“Every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood,” said Dee Dixon, Regional Chief Executive Officer of the American Red Cross of Georgia. “That’s why we are so grateful for partners like News Leader 9 and the generous blood donors who roll up their sleeves to help hospital patients in need.”
Donors are urged to tune in to WTVM, WXTX, and WLTZ on Tuesday, January 17 from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. and make an appointment to donate blood by calling 706-494-5530 or visiting www.wtvm.com/donate.
Pro Football Hall of Famer and blood donor Payton Manning invites the public to join him in helping save lives. “If everyone does their part and we collectively commit to donating blood, we can stack up more wins for hospital patients who are counting on us. A single individual is certainly impactful, but a whole team of people coming together to donate has an even greater effect.”
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.
Amplify your impact − volunteer!
Another way to support the lifesaving mission of the Red Cross is to become a volunteer blood donor ambassador at Red Cross blood drives. Blood donor ambassadors help greet, check in, and thank blood donors to ensure they have a positive donation experience.
Volunteers can also serve as transportation specialists, playing a vital role in ensuring lifesaving blood products are delivered to nearby hospitals. For more information and to apply for either position, visit redcross.org/volunteertoday.
About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds, and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members, and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org,
or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.
*Terms apply. Visit RedCrossBlood.org/SuperBowl for details.