Find a Blood Drive
Find a Blood Drive
ROCKFORD, Ill. (Oct 29, 2018) —As many people are planning their Cyber Monday gift list, look no further than rolling up a sleeve and give the gift of life. To help ensure patients have the blood products they need, the American Red Cross is hosting the Rockford Holiday Blood Drive Nov. 26, from 2 to 7 p.m at the Hoffman House, 7550 E. State St., in Rockford. This blood drives comes at a time when the Red Cross has a critical need for blood products.
Join the Red Cross of Northwest Illinois, our media sponsors WTVO-TV, WQRF-TV and make new memories with family and friends. Help establish a new holiday tradition by helping us fulfill our lifesaving mission to provide blood products to hospital patients in need.
“Some of the greatest gifts are the ones that are done out of selflessness,” said Janet Jarvis, donor recruitment account manager for the Red Cross Heart of America Blood Services Region. “Those who roll up a sleeve to donate a part of themselves truly are giving the perfect gift - a lifesaving gift.”
The need is constant and blood and platelet donations tend to decline between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day when people become busy with the holiday festivities. The Red Cross encourages you to establish a tradition by giving blood in Rockford to help hospital patients have the opportunity to spend another holiday with their loved ones.
Those who attempt to help save lives at the Rockford Holiday Blood Drive will receive a Red Cross long-sleeved T-shirt, while supplies last. All presenting donors will also be entered into a raffle to win a basket with items provided by sponsors that include: IceHogs gear and tickets, a Stan Mikita signed Blackhawks hat, grilling supplies and home fitness gear.
On average, the Red Cross must collect more than 13,000 donations every day to meet the needs of patients in Illinois and across the country. Blood donors of all types are needed. 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. Donated blood may be used to help accident victims, surgery patients, organ transplant patients, and those receiving treatment for leukemia, cancer or sickle cell disease. There is no substitute for donated blood products.
How to donate blood
Simply download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org 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.