Chance at gas for a year for those who come to give in August, plus $10 e-gift card
DALLAS, July 27, 2022 — Just as most cars need to be refueled constantly, so does the nation’s blood supply. The American Red Cross has faced a concerning drop in blood and platelet donations this summer. Donors are needed to make an appointment to give in August to help prevent a blood shortage.
The decline in donations has caused the Red Cross blood supply to shrink nearly 20 percent in recent weeks. The availability of blood products will continue to decline if donations do not increase. People should not wait until they hear there is a blood shortage to give. Type O negative blood donors and platelet donors are especially needed now.
“This is a concerning trend that may soon make it tougher to keep blood products stocked on hospital shelves,” said Paul Sullivan, Red Cross senior vice president of donor services. “By choosing a time to give now, donors can help pump up the blood supply for those in immediate need of lifesaving care and those who rely on transfusions for treatment.”
Donors can schedule an appointment to donate using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, by visiting RedCrossBlood.org or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
Fuel up on us
As blood and platelet donations drop, gas prices have reached all-time highs in the U.S. As a thank-you, all who come to give Aug. 1-31 will be automatically entered for a chance to win gas for a year, a $6,000 value. There will be three lucky winners. Everyone who comes to give blood or platelets in August will also receive a $10 e-gift card to a merchant of choice.*
Upcoming blood donation opportunities Aug. 1-7:
Aubrey
8/4/2022: 12 p.m. - 5 p.m., Union Park HOA, 4795 Union Park Blvd
Dallas
8/4/2022: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Texas A&M Agrilife Research, 17360 Coit Rd
8/4/2022: 12 p.m. - 6 p.m., East Lake Event Center, 8630 Thurgood Lane
8/6/2022: 11 a.m. - 5 p.m., American Red Cross Dallas Chapter, 2055 Kendall Dr.
Frisco
8/2/2022: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Frisco Community, 11000 Eldorado Parkway
Grand Prairie
8/5/2022: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Arlington Career Institute, 901 Ave. K
8/5/2022: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Grand Prairie, 2010 South Carrier Parkway
Irving
8/1/2022: 11:45 a.m. - 6:45 p.m., Irving Blood Donation Center, 2511 W Lyndon B. Johnson Freeway
8/2/2022: 11:45 a.m. - 6:45 p.m., Irving Blood Donation Center, 2511 W Lyndon B. Johnson Freeway
8/3/2022: 11:45 a.m. - 6:45 p.m., Irving Blood Donation Center, 2511 W Lyndon B. Johnson Freeway
8/5/2022: 7:45 a.m. - 2:45 p.m., Irving Blood Donation Center, 2511 W Lyndon B. Johnson Freeway
8/6/2022: 7:45 a.m. - 2:45 p.m., Irving Blood Donation Center, 2511 W Lyndon B. Johnson Freeway
8/7/2022: 7:45 a.m. - 2:45 p.m., Irving Blood Donation Center, 2511 W Lyndon B. Johnson Freeway
McKinney
8/3/2022: 9:30 a.m. - 3 p.m., Medical City McKinney, 4500 Medical Center Drive
Plano
8/1/2022: 11:30 a.m. - 5 p.m., Whiskey Cake Kitchen & Bar, 3601 Dallas Parkway
8/1/2022: 11:45 a.m. - 6:45 p.m., Plano Blood Donation Center, 741 N US 75-Central Expy., Suite 1000
8/2/2022: 12 p.m. - 7 p.m., Plano Blood Donation Center, 741 N US 75-Central Expy., Suite 1000
8/3/2022: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Christ United Methodist Church, 3101 Coit Road
8/4/2022: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Legacy Tower, 7250 Dallas Pkwy.
8/5/2022: 7:45 a.m. - 2:45 p.m., Plano Blood Donation Center, 741 N US 75-Central Expy., Suite 1000
8/5/2022: 8 a.m. - 2 p.m., Baylor Scott and White The Heart Hospital Plano, 1100 Allied Drive
8/6/2022: 7:45 a.m. - 2:45 p.m., Plano Blood Donation Center, 741 N US 75-Central Expy., Suite 1000
8/7/2022: 7:45 a.m. - 2:45 p.m., Plano Blood Donation Center, 741 N US 75-Central Expy., Suite 1000
Blood drive safety
The Red Cross follows a high standard of safety and infection control. The Red Cross will continue to socially distance wherever possible at blood drives, donation centers and facilities. While donors are no longer required to wear a face mask, individuals may choose to continue to wear a mask for any reason. The Red Cross will also adhere to more stringent face mask requirements per state and/or local guidance, or at the request of blood drive sponsors. Donors are asked to schedule an appointment prior to arriving at a drive.
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.
*Terms apply. Visit rcblood.org/fuel for details.
Media Contact: Doyle Rader | 214 770-4258 | doyle.rader@redcross.org
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.