JONESBORO, AR. (December 2, 2024) - As holiday celebrations continue into December, the American Red Cross encourages donors to keep the blood supply top of mind by giving blood this month. Type O negative blood donors are especially urged to give now to help ensure patients can continue to receive the care they need in the coming weeks.
Record-breaking November travel is expected to carry into the new year, which could cause some potential donors to put off blood donation until after the holiday season. In addition to millions of Americans traveling to spend holidays with loved ones, extended vacations are also surging in popularity at a time when fewer people may be available to give lifesaving blood products.
Bring joy to someone facing a medical emergency; give something that means something with a blood or platelet donation. Schedule an appointment this December by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org,or calling 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
For a limited time, those who come to give Dec. 9-15, 2024 will receive a $15 e-gift card to a merchant of choice. Those who come to give Dec. 16, 2024-Jan. 3, 2025 will receive an exclusive Red Cross long-sleeved T-shirt, while supplies last. For details on both offers, visit RedCrossBlood.org/Gifts. Upcoming blood donation opportunities through January 3, 2025:
Craighead County
Brookland
12/6/2024: 9am-2pm, Brookland High School, 100 W School St
Jonesboro
12/9/2024: 1:30pm-5:30pm, American Red Cross Jonesboro, 2416 South Madison Street
12/10/2024: 11am-3pm, Families, Inc., 1815 Pleasant Grove Road
12/20/2024: 9am-2pm, NEA Baptist Memorial Hospital, 4800 East Johnson
12/24/2024: 9am-1pm, American Red Cross Jonesboro, 2416 South Madison Street
12/26/2024: 8am-5pm, St Bernards Medical Center, 225 East Washington
12/27/2024: 12pm-5pm, Southwest Church of Christ, 1601 James Street
12/30/2024: 11am-3pm, Craighead County Jonesboro Public Library, 315 W Oak Ave
Monette
12/17/2024: 1:30pm-5:30pm, First Baptist Church, 18847 AR 18
Greene County Paragould
12/6/2024: 11am-4pm, Unico Bank, 1908 Linwood Dr
12/12/2024: 10am-4pm, Paragould Municipal Utilities, 1901 Jones Road
12/20/2024: 12pm-5pm, Arkansas Methodist Medical Center, 900 West Kingshighway
12/23/2024: 12pm-4pm, Community Center, 3404 Linwood Drive
Mississippi County Blytheville
12/6/2024: 10am-2pm, Blytheville High School, 600 North 10th Street
12/17/2024: 1pm-5pm, Ruddle Road Church of God, 1400 Ruddle Road
12/23/2024: 12pm-4pm, Great River Medical Center, 1520 North Division Street
Poinsett County
Tyronza
12/23/2024: 1pm-5pm, Tyronza Senior Center, 135 S Main St
Randolph County Pocahontas
12/4/2024: 12pm-4pm, Randolph County Nursing Home, 500 Camp Rd
12/5/2024: 1:30pm-5:30pm, Sutton Free Will Baptist Church, 5421 US-62
12/6/2024: 9am-2pm, Pocahontas High School, 2312 Stadium Boulevard
12/10/2024: 1:30pm-5:30pm, Church of God of Prophecy, 3128 State Highway 115 N
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.
Amplify your impact - volunteerAnother way to support the lifesaving mission of the Red Cross is to become a volunteer blood donor ambassador at Red Cross blood drives. Blood donor ambassadors help greet, check in, and thank blood donors to ensure they have a positive donation experience.Volunteers can also serve as transportation specialists, playing a vital role in ensuring lifesaving blood products are delivered to nearby hospitals. For more information and to apply for either position, visit redcross.org/volunteertoday.
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; provides 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.