Blood shortage crisis: Give blood now
The American Red Cross says the blood supply is currently at its lowest level in over 10 years.
Donations can be scheduled at Chase County Schools Thursday in the auxiliary gym from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Donating helps ensure blood is available to support patients’ ongoing needs including emergency situations like car crashes, household accidents and more.
“Others you can help by donating blood are cancer patients, trauma patients, sickle cell patients, burn patients and patients with chronic diseases—all benefit from receiving blood,” said CCS senior Kendra Burke, Blood Drive Team Leader for ARC.
Nationwide, someone needs a unit of blood every two to three seconds, and most people will need blood in their lifetime, she added.
Appointments to give blood can be made online at red crossblood.org or calling 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or Burke at 308-882-1370.
To get a RapidPass on the day of a blood donation, donors should visit redcross blood.org/rapidpass, complete the questionnaire, then print the RapidPass and bring it with them.
The completed RapidPass form can be shown on a mobile device, as well, when they come to donate, said Angie Paisley, CCS School Nurse.
Donors should bring a picture I.D., and walk-ins are welcome.
Download the Red Cross Blood Donor App from the App Store, Google Play or text BLOODAPP to 90999.
With the app, donors can schedule appointments, view their blood type, see mini-physical results and track donations.
Red Cross partners with NFL
During the month of January, the American Red Cross has partnered with the NFL to urge individuals to give blood and help tackle this shortage.
As a thank you for immediate help, January’s blood donors will automatically be entered for a chance to win a getaway to Super Bowl LVI in Los Angeles.
As an extra thank you from the Red Cross, those who come to donate by Jan. 31 will also be entered to win a home theater package and a $500 e-gift card.
The sponsor code is: chasecohsne.