Being a hero isn’t out of reach for those who give blood or platelets with the American Red Cross at the 19th annual FOX 13 Reach Out Utah Blood Drive Tuesday, Dec. 18, from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., at the Red Cross Salt Lake City Blood Donation Center, 6616 S. 900 E.
The Red Cross has an urgent need for blood donations to ensure blood is available for medical treatments and emergencies during the holiday season, commonly a difficult time for blood collection. Donations often decline during the winter holidays when many groups postpone blood drives while regular donors are busy with holiday activities and travel. Severe winter weather may also cause blood drive cancellations contributing to fewer donations than needed.
Blood donors of all blood types, especially type O, are urgently needed to give now to avoid delays in lifesaving medical care for patients.
“The Red Cross is grateful for our 19-year partnership with FOX News 13,” said Jessica Winkel, local market manager for the Red Cross. “During a time when people may be focusing much of their time to preparing for the upcoming holiday season, FOX 13 always reminds us that we all can give something that means something. We ask that the community consider giving the gift of life at this annual holiday blood drive.”
97.1 ZHT also will be broadcasting live at the blood drive from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
In thanks, those who come to donate blood with the Red Cross from Nov. 25-Dec. 19, 2018, will receive a $5 Amazon.com Gift Card via email. Restrictions apply, see amazon.com/gc-legal. Additional information and details are available at RedCrossBlood.org/Together. In addition, all who come to give blood at this drive will receive a long-sleeved Red Cross T-shirt, while supplies last. In addition, those who come out to give blood also will receive a special long-sleeved Red Cross T-shirt and snacks provided by Smith’s Groceries, while supplies last.
To schedule an appointment, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
Trauma patients, heart surgery and organ transplant patients, and those receiving treatment for leukemia, cancer or sickle cell disease may all need blood. Red blood cells have a shelf life of only 42 days and platelets just five days, so they must be replenished constantly – there is no substitute.
How to donate blood
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 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.
