TYLER, TEXAS, Sept. 18, 2023 – The American Red Cross, which is in a national blood shortage will be hosting blood drives in East Texas this week at four different locations.
One in seven patients entering the hospital needs blood transfusions--that could be individuals needing an organ transplant, or suffering from a traumatic injury, a new mom experiencing a complicated childbirth or those being treated for cancer or blood disorders like sickle cell disease and others. Donors of all blood types are urgently needed, and there is an emergency need for platelet and type O blood donors. Only 3% of eligible donors give annually, join the Red Cross and make an appointment today.
Upcoming blood donation opportunities Sept. 20 – 23:
Hawkins
Wednesday, Sept. 20: 10:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Jarvis Christian University Fellowship Hall, US Hwy 80 PR 7631
Tyler
Thursday, Sept. 21: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. College Hill Missionary Baptist Church, 1314 W Houston St.
Friday, Sept. 22: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Tyler American Red Cross office, 320 East Rieck Rd.
Longview
Saturday, Sept. 23, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Galilee Baptist Church 1301 S High St.
September is Sickle Cell Awareness Month
One in three African American blood donors is a match for people with sickle cell disease. To help ensure patients have the blood products they need, the Red Cross launched the Sickle Cell Initiative in 2021 to grow the number of Black blood donors and improve patients' health outcomes. Together, longtime and first-time blood donors are helping patients with sickle cell manage their symptoms and show support for their community.
Joined by Blood is the initiative's focus during Sickle Cell Awareness Month in September and continues through October. This year, the Red Cross is proud to partner with organizations focused on mentorship, including 100 Black Men of America, Inc.; Kier's Hope Foundation, Inc.; historically Black colleges and universities and member organizations of the National Pan-Hellenic Council; as well as the Black Radio Hall of Fame and others, who are all showing up for patients with sickle cell by hosting blood drives. To learn more, visit RedCrossBlood.org/OurBlood.
How to donate blood
To make an appointment, 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. A blood donor card, 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 must also meet certain height and weight requirements.
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/northtexas or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCrossNTX.