As May approaches, the American Red Cross reminds eligible donors to keep the blood supply stable by racing to give blood or platelets in the weeks to come. Donors of all blood types – especially type O blood donors and those giving platelets – are crucial to keeping shelves fully stocked with blood products throughout the month.
Right now, there’s no letting off the gas when it comes to lifesaving care. With no substitute for blood and no way to manufacture it, volunteer donors are essential for hospital patients who count on transfusions every single day.
Book a time to give lifesaving blood or platelets now by visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS or by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App. Thanks to Sport Clips Haircuts, all who come to donate April 29-May 31 will get a coupon for a free haircut by email. Plus, those who come to give April 29-May 19 will be automatically entered for a chance to win a trip for two and VIP racing experience to the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series and Xfinity Races at Darlington Raceway Labor Day weekend, including entry to the Sport Clips racetrack hospitality tent and a $1,000 gift card. Additionally, those who come to give April 29-May 19 will also get a bonus $10 e-gift card to a merchant of choice. Visit RedCrossBlood.org/racetogive for more details.
Upcoming blood donation opportunities April 29-May 31
Arthur County
Arthur
5/16/2024: 11 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Arthur County Fairgrounds, 105 S Highway 61
Chase County
Imperial
5/20/2024: 12:30 p.m. – 6 p.m., Chase County Fairgrounds Expo Building, 560 Park Street
Deuel County
Chappell
5/20/2024: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Chappell Fire Hall, 1650 2nd Street
Dundy County
Benkelman
5/8/2024: 12 p.m. – 5:30 p.m., 4-H Exhibit Building, 70495 Ave 338, Fairgrounds
Frontier County
Eustis
5/15/2024: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., Legion Hall, 108 North Main Street
Furnas County
Beaver City
5/6/2024: 12:30 p.m. – 6 p.m., Community Building, 318 10th Street
Cambridge
5/23/2024: 12 p.m. – 6 p.m., Community Building, 722 Patterson St
Hitchcock County
Palisade
5/9/2024: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., Mihm Hall, 103 N Vennum
Keith County
Ogallala
5/21/2024: 8 a.m. – 2 p.m., Ogallala Fair Building, 1100 West 3rd
5/22/2024: 12 p.m. – 6 p.m., Ogallala Fair Building, 1100 West 3rd
Lincoln County
Brady
4/29/2024: 12:30 p.m. – 6 p.m., Community Building, 121 North Main
North Platte
5/3/2024: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., Hanson Development Center, 301 West F St
5/10/2024: 8 a.m. – 2 p.m., Great Plains Health, 601 West Leota
5/15/2024: 12 p.m. – 6 p.m., Eagles Club, 620 N Chestnut
5/13/2024: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., North Platte Federal Building, 300 E 3rd St
Red Willow County
Mc Cook
5/9/2024: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., Cornerstone Fellowship, 402 West 5th Street
5/13/2024: 9 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., Ed Thomas YMCA, 901 West E St
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 − volunteer!
Another 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.