During the season of giving, U.S. Bank locations across Montana are helping the American Red Cross deliver the greatest gift of all – the gift of life. From Nov. 26-30, U.S. Bank will partner with the American Red Cross to host the Week of Giving Blood Drive in five Montana cities – Billings, Bozeman, Great Falls, Helena and Missoula.
“We are proud of our long-standing partnership with the American Red Cross, which includes setting up these blood drives across the country like this one in Montana as well as an annual commitment of $150,000 to help the organization prepare for vital disaster services,” said Bill Davies, regional president for U.S. Bank. “Each year, our employees also donate countless volunteer hours to the Red Cross. We encourage everyone to come out and join us as we host these critical blood drives and consider donating.”
This blood drive comes as the Red Cross faces a severe blood shortage. Blood donations are needed to help prevent the shortage from continuing throughout winter. Donations often decline during the winter holidays when many groups postpone blood drives while regular donors are busy with holiday activities and travel. Severe winter weather may also cause blood drive cancellations contributing to fewer donations than needed.
Blood donors of all blood types, especially type O, are urgently needed to give now to avoid delays in lifesaving medical care for patients. Volunteer blood drive hosts are also critically needed to stop the shortage from continuing throughout winter.
“Red Cross is grateful for our year-round partnership with U.S. Bank,” said Diane Wright, Red Cross of Montana executive director. “In a year when disasters upended the lives of thousands of people, U.S. Bank reminds us that we all can give something that means something. I hope Montanans will consider giving the gift of life at one of these blood drives. Montanans also can give hope and comfort to families impacted by disaster with a financial gift to support disaster relief."
Week of Giving Blood Drives
Monday, Nov. 26
9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Missoula U.S. Bank
Basement Training Room
2801 Brooks St.
Tuesday, Nov. 27
11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Billings U.S. Bank
303 N. Broadway
Wednesday, Nov. 28
9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Bozeman U.S. Bank
104 E. Main St.
Thursday, Nov. 29
9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Helena U.S. Bank
2nd Floor Conference Room
302 N. Last Chance Gulch
Thursday, Nov. 30
9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Great Falls U.S. Bank
Lower Level Conference Room
300 Central Ave.
Blood donation appointments for this drive can be scheduled by using the sponsor code USBANKMT through the Red Cross Blood Donor App, online at RedCrossBlood.org or by calling1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
In thanks, those who come to donate blood with the Red Cross from Nov. 25-Dec. 19, 2018, will receive a $5 Amazon.com Gift Card via email. Restrictions apply, see amazon.com/gc-legal. Additional information and details are available at RedCrossBlood.org/Together.
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 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.
How to make a financial donation
To make a financial gift to the Red Cross and help bring relief to families impacted by disaster, visit www.montanaredcross.org or call 800-272-6668.