Give hope and strength to patients in need of lifesaving blood during Red Cross Month
The Marshall community is invited to help save lives at the 5th annual Spring into Life blood drive March 11-12 at Living Word Lutheran Church. This is one of the largest two-day blood drives in southwestern Minnesota, collecting approximately 800 blood donations over the past four years.
Spring into Life Blood Drive
Thursday, March 11, from 1 to 7 p.m.
Friday, March 12, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Living Word Lutheran Church
800 E. Southview Court
Marshall, Minnesota
To make an appointment for the Spring into Life blood drive 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 and use the sponsor code SIL5.
Only about 3 percent of the U.S. population donates blood. To help change that statistic, all donors are encouraged to bring a friend to help increase the impact. The Spring into Life blood drive is an excellent opportunity to help ensure blood is available for patients in need this spring. Donors of all blood types, especially type O, are urgently needed to help ensure blood is available for patients this spring.
All presenting blood donors will be entered into a drawing for one of five YMCA Family Guest Passes and receive a Red Cross T-shirt, while supplies last.*
The Spring into Life blood drive is being held during Red Cross Month. For nearly 80 years, U.S. presidents have proclaimed March as Red Cross Month to recognize people giving back through its lifesaving mission — which is powered by more than 90% volunteers.
How to donate blood
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.
Important COVID-19 information for donors
VACCINES: As of February 1, 2021, there is no wait period to donate after receiving COVID-19 vaccines manufactured by AstraZeneca, Janssen/J&J, Moderna, Novavax or Pfizer, as long as individuals are feeling healthy and well. Individuals who receive a COVID-19 vaccine and do not know which manufacturer it was from will need to wait two weeks to donate. Individuals who have received a COVID-19 vaccine are not able to donate convalescent plasma with the Red Cross at this time.
CONVALESCENT PLASMA: As COVID-19 cases have risen across the U.S., so has the need for convalescent plasma. Individuals who have recovered from COVID-19 may have antibodies in their plasma that could provide a patient’s immune system the boost it needs to beat the virus. Plasma from whole blood donations that test positive for COVID-19 antibodies may be used to help COVID-19 patients.
ANTIBODY TESTING: The Red Cross is testing blood, platelet and plasma donations for COVID-19 antibodies. The test may indicate if the donor’s immune system has produced antibodies to this coronavirus, regardless of whether an individual developed COVID-19 symptoms. Red Cross antibody tests will be helpful to identify individuals who have COVID-19 antibodies and may now help current coronavirus patients in need of convalescent plasma transfusions.
BLOOD DRIVE SAFETY: 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 help protect 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. *Offer applicable to presenting donors only on the following dates: 03/11/2021 - 03/12/2021 and while supplies last. Offer subject to availability of donation opportunities in presenting donor’s area. No substitutions and not transferable by presenting donor.
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.