Find a Blood Drive
Find a Blood Drive
CARBONDALE, IL. (Oct. 5, 2018) — The American Red Cross and Southern Illinois University at Carbondale will host the ninth annual Homecoming Blood Drive Wednesday, Oct. 17 from noon to 6 p.m. at the Student Center Renaissance Room, 1255 Lincoln Drive, in Carbondale.
This blood drive is one of the largest one-day blood drives in Carbondale with a goal to collect 150 lifesaving donations.. Everyone who presents to donate blood will receive a specially designed SIU Homecoming Saluki Gras Blood Drive T-shirt, while supplies last. In addition, all registered student organizations will be competing for the SIU Homecoming Blood Drive trophy. Students can earn points by attempting to donate, recruiting other people to donate on their fraternity or sorority’s behalf and volunteering at the drive.
“The students always show their Saluki pride by coming out to donate and volunteer,” said Garry Allison. “We truly appreciate their support in our lifesaving mission and hope to have another successful homecoming blood drive.”
Donors of all blood types are needed to help ensure a sufficient supply for patients this fall, especially after Hurricane Florence and subsequent flooding forced the cancellation of more than 6,000 blood and platelet donations last month. As a thank-you, those who come to donate blood or platelets in October will automatically be entered to win one of five $500 gift cards redeemable at hundreds of merchants. Learn more at RedCrossBlood.org/GoForGoal.
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 all need blood.
Those with types O, A negative and B negative blood are encouraged to make a Power Red donation at this blood drive. 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.
How to donate blood
Simply download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org and use the sponsor code: SIUCHOMECOMING, or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) 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, from a computer or mobile device. To get started and learn more, visit RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass and follow the instructions on the site.About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports 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 perform its mission. For more information, please visit RedCross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.