Find a Blood Drive
Find a Blood Drive
MACON, Ga. (Nov. 7, 2019) — Donors are encouraged to give with meaning this Thanksgiving season by donating blood with the American Red Cross and 41NBC/WMGT Tuesday, Nov. 21 through Monday, Nov. 29 at several area locations. Blood donations often decline from Thanksgiving to New Year’s Day, and volunteer donors are needed to help ensure a stable blood supply. Presenting donors will receive a free Red Cross T-Shirt, while supplies last.
It took 68 units of blood to save SSG Justin Lascek's life on March 5, 2019. He was faithfully serving our nation on his second deployment to Afghanistan when an improvised explosive device (IED) detonated, costing Justin both his legs. He's been rehabilitating at Walter Reed Hospital in Washington, DC. ever since.
The Red Cross must collect more than 13,000 blood donations every day for patients in need, like SSG Justin Lascek. Blood is needed for many different reasons. 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.
“Blood transfusion is the fourth most common inpatient hospital procedure in the U.S., and these blood products can only come from volunteer donors. Yet, only 3 out of 100 people in the U.S. give blood. That’s why we thank 41NBC/WMGT for hosting these blood drives,” said Ronnika A. McFall, external communications manager, Red Cross Georgia Blood Services Region. “Eligible donors, as well as those who have never given before, are urged to make and keep blood donation appointments to help restock the shelves for patients, like SSG Justin Lascek.”
Donors of all blood types are encouraged to make an appointment. Eligible donors with types O, A negative and B negative blood are urged 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.
Help save lives at one of the following blood drives:
11/21/2019: 2 – 6 p.m., Central Georgia Technical College, 54 Hwy 22 W., Milledgeville - First Floor - 202 Health Science Building.
11/21/2019: 11 a.m. – 3 p.m., Medical Center Peach County, 1960 Highway 247 Connector, Byron - First Flood Board Room.
11/21/2019: 2 – 6 p.m., Lowe's, 6011 Zebulon Rd., Macon – Bloodmobile.
11/22/2019: 2 – 6 p.m., Dublin Mall, 205 Veterans Blvd, Dublin.
11/22/2019: noon – 4 p.m., Lowe's, 1109 Highway 96, Kathleen – Bloodmobile.
11/25/2019: 2 – 6 p.m., Central Georgia Technical College, 54 22 W., Milledgeville - Room 202 Health Science Building.
11/25/2019: 1 – 5 p.m., Rigby's Entertainment Complex, 2001 Karl Drive, Warner Robins – Bloodmobile.
11/26/2019: 2 – 6 p.m., Dublin Mall - 205 Veterans Blvd, Dublin.
11/26/2019: 2 – 6 p.m., Bass Pro Shops, 5000 Bass Pro Blvd, Macon.
11/29/2019: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., The Fresh Market, 4357 Forsyth Road, Macon – Bloodmobile.
11/29/2019: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., Houston County Galleria Mall, 2950 Watson Blvd, Centerville - Food court.
How to donate blood
Simply download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org sponsor code 41NBC or 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.
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.