United Group Insurance

Red Cross has urgent need for blood and platelet donations to prevent a winter shortage

News

January 12th, 2016 by Ric Hanson

The American Red Cross says it has an urgent need for blood and platelet donations to prevent a shortage this winter. Busy holiday schedules in November and December contributed to about 1,700 fewer blood drives held across the country compared to the two previous months, which has resulted in about 50,000 fewer donations and reduced the blood supply. Donation appointments can be quickly and easily scheduled by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting redcrossblood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

In addition to winter bringing busy holiday schedules for many regular donors, severe winter weather can cancel blood drives, and seasonal illnesses, like the flu, may cause donors to be temporarily unable to give. Blood and platelet donors of all blood types are urged to make an appointment to donate.

Upcoming Blood Donation Opportunities:

Adair County
Orient
Jan. 13: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., Orient-Macksburg High School, 201 School St.
_______________

Audubon County
Exira
Jan. 18: noon to 6 p.m., Exira Recreational Center, 106 N. Jefferson
_______________

Carroll County
Halbur
Jan. 21: noon to 6 p.m., Community Center, 105 W. Second St.
_______________

Cass County
Atlantic
Jan. 14: noon to 6 p.m., Atlantic Catholic Parish Center, 105 W. 5th St.
Jan. 19: noon to 4 p.m., MAHLE, 60428 Marne Road

Lewis
Jan. 28: noon to 5:30 p.m., Lewis Community Center, 400 W. Main St.
_______________

Harrison County
Logan
Jan. 21: 8 a.m. – 2 p.m., Logan Magnolia High School, 1200 N. 2nd Ave.

Mondamin
Jan. 13: 8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., W. Harrison High School, 410 Pine St.
_______________

Ida County
Galva
Jan. 22: 1 – 6 p.m., Methodist Church, 300 Crawford
_______________

Mills County
Glenwood
Jan. 20: 7 a.m. – 1 p.m., Glenwood High School, 504 E. Sharp St.
Jan. 22: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Glenwood Resource Visitor’s Center, 711 S. Vine

Malvern
Jan. 27: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., E. Mills High School, 1505 E. 15th St.
_______________

Monona County
Moorhead
Jan. 30: 8 a.m. – 1 p.m., Moorhead Community Center, 100 Oak St.
_______________

Montgomery County
Red Oak
Jan. 25: 11:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m., Faith Community Church, 2701 N. 8th St.

Villisca
Jan. 20: noon to 6 p.m., Community Center, 201 S. 3rd Ave.
_______________

Page County
Clarinda
Jan. 15: 8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., Clarinda Academy, 1820 N. 16th St.
Jan. 19: 11:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m., Westminster Presbyterian Church, 322 N. 16th

Shenandoah
Jan. 29: 8 a.m. – 1 p.m., Shenandoah Medical Center, 300 Pershing Ave.
_______________

Pottawattamie County
Council Bluffs
Jan. 11: 12:30 – 6:15 p.m., American Red Cross, 705 N. 16th St.
Jan. 12: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., American Red Cross, 705 N. 16th St.
Jan. 17: 8 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., Community of Christ, 140 Kanesville Blvd.
Jan. 18: 12:30 – 6:15 p.m., American Red Cross, 705 N. 16th St.
Jan. 19: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., American Red Cross, 705 N. 16th St.
Jan. 25: 12:30 – 6:15 p.m., American Red Cross, 705 N. 16th St.
Jan. 26: 8 a.m. – 1 p.m., ConAgra Foods, 1023 S. 4th St.
Jan. 26: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., American Red Cross, 705 N. 16th St.
_______________

Ringgold County
Mount Ayr
Jan. 19: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., First Christian Church, 201 W. Monroe
_______________

Shelby County
Elk Horn
Jan. 12: 11:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m., Elk Horn Lutheran Church, 4313 Main St.

Westphalia
Jan. 14: noon to 6 p.m., St. Boniface Parish Center, 305 Duren St.
_______________

Taylor County
Bedford
Jan. 13: 8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., Bedford High School, 1006 Illinois St.
_______________

How to donate blood
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 (16 with parental consent in some states), 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 now 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 home or work computer prior to arriving at the blood drive. To get started and learn more, visit redcrossblood.org/RapidPass and follow the instructions on the site.