CHICAGO (May 23, 2017) — Blood donors of all types are needed to help ensure blood products are available for patients now and into the summer. The community is invited to give at the Barlett BAPS Charities Blood Drive Sunday, June 4, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, 1851 S. IL RT 59 Pramukhswami Road, in Bartlett.
While helping Bartlett BAPS blood drive organizers reach a milestone of 800 pints of blood collected at this annual event, participants may also enjoy a special buffet of Hindu cuisine.
“Someone needs blood every two seconds in the U.S.,” said Celena Roldan, chief executive officer of the Chicago & Northern Illinois Red Cross. “Blood donations of all types are needed so patients can continue receive the transfusion they need. The Red Cross appreciates community members for their support.”
Donated blood may be used to help accident victims, surgery patients, organ transplant patients, and those receiving treatment for leukemia, cancer or sickle cell disease. There is no substitute for donated blood products. Each day, the Red Cross needs nearly 14,000 blood donations to meet the needs of patients at almost 2,600 hospitals across the country.
“BAPS Charities has been actively answering this continuing need by organizing blood drives for the benefit of one and all,” said Sanjay Patel, medical coordinator with the Chicago Temple. “Through a sense of responsibility and commitment volunteers participate and encourage one another to join a great cause.”
While all blood types are needed, those with types O, A negative and B negative blood are encouraged to make a Power Red donation at this blood drive. Power Red donors give a concentrated dose of red blood cells during a single donation, allowing them to maximize their impact.
How 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 donors can now 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, prior to arriving at the blood drive. To get started and learn more, visit redcrossblood.org/RapidPass and follow the instructions on the site.
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.
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