Be the lifeline for patients in need this holiday – Give Blood!
Join Red Cross at the Paducah Holiday Heroes blood drive Dec.30 – Jan. 2
PADUCAH, Ky. (Dec. 16, 2019) – This holiday, the American Red Cross is encouraging everyday heroes to ring in the New Year with a lifesaving blood donation. Be the lifeline for patients in need by rolling up a sleeve at the Paducah Holiday Heroes blood drive Monday, Dec. 30 from 12:30 to 5:30 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 31 and Wednesday, Jan. 1, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Thursday Jan. 2 from 12:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at Concord United Methodist Church, 5178 Hinkleville Road, in Paducah.
In thanks, all presenting donors will receive a long-sleeved Red Cross T-shirt and be entered into drawings for $25 gift cards each hour, while supplies last.
“This time of year, we’re depending on the compassion of our citizens to remember that patients in our community cannot survive without their generosity,” said Anthony Tinin, donor recruitment manager for the Red Cross Tennessee Blood Services Region. “From traumas to ongoing cancer and sickle cell treatments, the need for blood doesn’t stop. We invite all eligible blood donors to be a holiday hero for patients depending on lifesaving blood this Winter.”
As schedules fill with holiday parties, shopping and fun with friends and family, many blood donors delay giving. Unfortunately, that may lead to delays in treatments for patients relying on blood.
The Holiday Heroes blood drive comes as the Red Cross has an urgent need for all blood types. Blood donors of all blood types, especially type O, are urgently needed to donate to avoid delays in lifesaving medical care for patients.
How to donate blood
Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org and enter sponsor code: PaducahCM 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% 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.