University organizers encourage donation during emergency blood need
BOWLING GREEN, Ky., Oct. 13, 2021 — The Western Kentucky University (WKU) Hilltoppers are teaming up with the American Red Cross to help save lives Oct. 25 – Oct. 27 on campus.
All presenting donors will receive a commemorative “WKU Give Red” t-shirt, while supplies last. Blood donation appointments will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
“Our annual blood drives with WKU are so critical in the community to provide the much need blood products the community needs to take care of patients in area hospitals,” said Garry Allison, regional donor services executive for the Red Cross Tennessee Region.
Blood donor turnout decreased by about 10% as summer ended. While donations have dropped, hospital demand for blood remains strong. “The American Red Cross continues to experience an emergency blood and platelet shortage that has caused the blood supply to drop to the lowest post-summer level in at least six years. Donors of all blood types – especially type O – are urged to give during the WKU drive help meet the needs of patients this fall,” Allison added.
Every two seconds someone in the U.S. needs blood. Accident and burn victims, heart surgery patients, organ transplant patients, and those receiving treatment for leukemia, cancer or sickle cell disease may need blood products.
Those with types O, A negative and B negative blood are encouraged to make a Power Red donation. Power Red donors give a concentrated dose of red blood cells during a single donation, allowing them to maximize their impact. During this type of donation, red blood cells are separated from other blood components, and the plasma and platelets are safely and comfortably returned to the donor.
Along with the WKU t-shirt, those who come to donate in October will receive a link by email to claim a free Zaxby’s® Signature Sandwich reward or get a $5 e-gift card to a merchant of their choice.* All who come to give Oct. 11-31 will receive a bonus $5 e-gift card.**
WKU Give Red Blood Drive
Monday, Oct. 25 Tuesday, Oct. 26 and Wednesday, Oct. 27
10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Preston Health and Activity Center basketball-tennis courts
1906 College Heights Blvd.
Bowling Green, KY. 42101
To schedule an appointment, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org and enter sponsor code: WKU or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). Walk-ins welcome
How to donate blood
With less than a day’s supply of certain blood types in recent weeks, the Red Cross asks donors of all blood types – especially type O − to make an appointment to give blood or platelets as soon as possible to ensure patients can receive the lifesaving transfusions they rely on.
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 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.
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 not-for-profit 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.
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**Terms and conditions apply. Additional information and details are available at RedCrossBlood.org/Zaxbys.
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