Effingham, IL -(Effingham Radio)- The American Red Cross currently has a critical need for blood donors of all blood types – especially type O – and platelet donors to make an appointment now to give and help replenish the blood supply after the holiday weeks. Right now, the Red Cross has less than a three-day supply of type O blood. To help tackle the critical need, the Red Cross and NFL are working together to offer one lucky winner a trip to Super Bowl LIV in Miami.
During the weeks of Christmas and New Year’s, about 500 fewer blood drives were hosted by volunteer sponsor groups than required to meet patient needs. Many groups postpone blood drives during the winter holidays when travel and holiday activities may make it challenging for many donors to give. In fact, AAA estimated that a record 115.6 million Americans traveled during the holiday period of Dec. 21 through Jan. 1.
“Lifesaving medical treatments and emergencies never take a holiday,” said Paul Sullivan, senior vice president, Red Cross Biomedical Services. “Declines in donations can affect patient care. That’s why the Red Cross is encouraging eligible donors to make an appointment to give now and help those sidelined by illness and trauma.”
Donors are urged to make an appointment to give now using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enabling the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device.
As a special thank-you, those who come to give blood or platelets Jan. 1-19, 2020, will automatically be entered for a chance to experience the Super Bowl live. The Red Cross and NFL have teamed up to offer one winner two tickets to Super Bowl LIV, entry to the official NFL Tailgate, tickets to Super Bowl Experience at the Miami Beach Convention Center, round-trip airfare to Miami, three-night hotel accommodations at The Alexander® – All Suite Oceanfront Resort (Jan. 31 to Feb. 3), and a $500 gift card for expenses.* Additional details are available at RedCrossBlood.org/SuperBowl.
“The Red Cross appreciates the NFL’s support during this crucial time of year when every donation – and every donor – matters. We hope this may inspire some to make regular blood and platelet donation one of their New Year’s resolutions,” said Sullivan.
Who blood donations help
This fall, 13-year-old Josh Roy and his family learned the importance of blood donations firsthand. In October, Josh contracted a severe case of influenza B and necrotizing staph pneumonia. He was transported to the hospital, was put on an extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) machine that circulates blood through an artificial lung and eventually needed a tracheostomy tube. Josh has received multiple blood transfusions during his treatment.
“You never know when someone you love might end up needing a blood transfusion,” said Jaqueline Bakehorn, Josh’s aunt. “We are so thankful for those who have given blood and would love to see more people donate.”
Josh is still hospitalized but is making slow, gradual progress. He faces a long road to recovery and may need additional blood transfusions along the way.
Upcoming Blood Donation Opportunities
ILLINOIS
Bond County
Greenville
- 1/9/2020: 2 p.m. – 6 p.m., VFW Post 1377, 2043 South 4th Street
Mulberry Grove
- 1/23/2020: 3 p.m. – 7 p.m., Mulberry Grove Elementary, 801 West Wall Street
Pocahontas
- 1/14/2020: 2:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m., St Nicholas Church, 401 East State Street
_______________
Calhoun County
Hardin
- 1/20/2020: 2 p.m. – 7 p.m., Knights of Columbus, 100 E. Main St.
_______________
Christian County
Pana
- 1/8/2020: 1 p.m. – 6 p.m., First United Methodist Church, 619 Kitchell
Taylorville
- 1/13/2020: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m., Christian County YMCA, 900 McAdam Dr
_______________
Clay County
Louisville
- 1/24/2020: 1:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m., Full Armor Christian Academy, 600 Erwin Street
_______________
Clinton County
Aviston
- 1/6/2020: 2 p.m. – 7 p.m., Aviston Elementary School, 350 South Hull Street
Beckemeyer
- 1/21/2020: 3 p.m. – 7 p.m., American Legion Hall, 391 Louis Street
Breese
- 1/22/2020: 1 p.m. – 6 p.m., Knights of Columbus, 480 North Walnut
Hoffman
- 1/6/2020: 2 p.m. – 6 p.m., Hoffman Village Hall, 110 East Park Avenue
New Baden
- 1/20/2020: 2 p.m. – 7 p.m., American Legion Hall, 105 East Illinois Street
_______________
Coles County
Charleston
- 1/15/2020: 2 p.m. – 6 p.m., EIU Student Union, 1720 7th Street
Mattoon
- 1/31/2020: 1:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m., Apostolic Life Center, 205 Country Club Road
- 1/31/2020: 2 p.m. – 6 p.m., Mattoon Middle School, 1200 South 9th Street
_______________
Crawford County
Hutsonville
- 1/13/2020: 2 p.m. – 6 p.m., Hutsonville High School, 500 West Clover Street
Palestine
- 1/29/2020: 12:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m., Palestine High School, 102 North Main Street
Robinson
- 1/20/2020: 12 p.m. – 4 p.m., Heritage Health Therapy and Senior Care, 600 East Robinwood Drive
- 1/22/2020: 2 p.m. – 7 p.m., Nuttall Middle School, 400 West Rustic Street
_______________
Cumberland County
Toledo
- 1/7/2020: 3 p.m. – 7 p.m., Neal Center YMCA, 130 Courthouse Square
- 1/28/2020: 2:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m., Cumberland Elementary School, 1496 Illinois Route 121
_______________
Effingham County
Altamont
- 1/10/2020: 2:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m., Altamont Elementary School, 407 South Edwards
Edgewood
- 1/6/2020: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., American Legion Post 1168 – Edgewood, 810 Route 37
Effingham
- 1/7/2020: 12:15 p.m. – 6:45 p.m., Effingham Blood Donation Center, 603 Eden Ave
- 1/8/2020: 12:15 p.m. – 7:15 p.m., Effingham Blood Donation Center, 603 Eden Ave
- 1/9/2020: 12:15 p.m. – 6:45 p.m., Effingham Blood Donation Center, 603 Eden Ave
- 1/11/2020: 7:45 a.m. – 2:15 p.m., Effingham Blood Donation Center, 603 Eden Ave
- 1/14/2020: 12:15 p.m. – 6:45 p.m., Effingham Blood Donation Center, 603 Eden Ave
- 1/15/2020: 12:15 p.m. – 7:15 p.m., Effingham Blood Donation Center, 603 Eden Ave
- 1/16/2020: 12:15 p.m. – 6:45 p.m., Effingham Blood Donation Center, 603 Eden Ave
- 1/18/2020: 7:45 a.m. – 2:15 p.m., Effingham Blood Donation Center, 603 Eden Ave
- 1/19/2020: 8 a.m. – 12 p.m., St Johns Lutheran Church-Effingham, 901 West Jefferson
- 1/21/2020: 12:15 p.m. – 6:45 p.m., Effingham Blood Donation Center, 603 Eden Ave
- 1/22/2020: 12:15 p.m. – 7:15 p.m., Effingham Blood Donation Center, 603 Eden Ave
- 1/22/2020: 1 p.m. – 6 p.m., Effingham Event Center, 1501 West Fayette
- 1/23/2020: 12:15 p.m. – 6:45 p.m., Effingham Blood Donation Center, 603 Eden Ave
- 1/25/2020: 7:45 a.m. – 2:15 p.m., Effingham Blood Donation Center, 603 Eden Ave
- 1/28/2020: 12:15 p.m. – 6:45 p.m., Effingham Blood Donation Center, 603 Eden Ave
- 1/29/2020: 12:15 p.m. – 6:45 p.m., Effingham Blood Donation Center, 603 Eden Ave
- 1/30/2020: 12:15 p.m. – 6:45 p.m., Effingham Blood Donation Center, 603 Eden Ave
Mason
- 1/27/2020: 2 p.m. – 6 p.m., Mason Christian Church Annex, 624 North Route 37
Teutopolis
- 1/7/2020: 1 p.m. – 6 p.m., American Legion Hall, 106 North Plum
_______________
Fayette County
Ramsey
- 1/16/2020: 2 p.m. – 7 p.m., Ramsey Grade School, 610 West 6th Street
Saint Elmo
- 1/9/2020: 1 p.m. – 5 p.m., Pinnacle Foods, 1000 Brewbaker Drive
Vandalia
- 1/14/2020: 12 p.m. – 6 p.m., Vandalia Moose Lodge, 328 South 3rd Street
- 1/21/2020: 1:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m., Zimmerman’s Greenhouse, 1386 East 1050 Avenue
_______________
Jasper County
Newton
- 1/26/2020: 8 a.m. – 12 p.m., Holy Cross Church of Wendelin, 5782 Ingraham Lane
_______________
Jersey County
Dow
- 1/8/2020: 3 p.m. – 7 p.m., Dow Southern Baptist Church, 24735 Dow Rd
______________
Jefferson County
Bluford
- 1/29/2020: 2 p.m. – 6 p.m., Bluford Elementary School, 907 West 6th Street
Dix
- 1/8/2020: 2 p.m. – 6 p.m., Dix Community Center, 217 North Main
Ina
- 1/13/2020: 2 p.m. – 6 p.m., Free Will Baptist Church, 3rd and Elm Street
- 1/27/2020: 9:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., Rend Lake College, 468 North Kengray Parkway
Mount Vernon
- 1/10/2020: 12 p.m. – 4 p.m., Mount Vernon Health Care Center, 5 Doctors Park Rd.
- 1/13/2020: 2 p.m. – 6 p.m., Rolland Lewis Community Building, South 27th Street
- 1/20/2020: 12 p.m. – 4 p.m., Tri County Electric Coop, 3906 W. Broadway
- 1/27/2020: 2 p.m. – 6 p.m., West Salem Trinity United Methodist Church, 4212 Broadway
- 1/28/2020: 12:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m., Medline Industries, 210 North 10th Street
- 1/30/2020: 2 p.m. – 7 p.m., Central Christian Church, 314 North 12th Street
_______________
Jersey County
Dow
- 1/8/2020: 3 p.m. – 7 p.m., Dow Southern Baptist Church, 24735 Dow Rd
_______________
Madison County
Alton
- 1/19/2020: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m., Knights of Columbus 460, 405 East Fourth St
Bethalto
- 1/9/2020: 3 p.m. – 7 p.m., Zion Lutheran Church, 625 Church Drive
- 1/22/2020: 4 p.m. – 8 p.m., Bethalto Senior Citizens Center, 100 E Central St.
Collinsville
- 1/16/2020: 12 p.m. – 7 p.m., American Legion Post 365, 1022 Vandalia
East Alton
- 1/10/2020: 2 p.m. – 7 p.m., Greater Alton Church, 506 East Airline Dr
Edwardsville
- 1/6/2020: 1 p.m. – 6 p.m., Rosewood Care Center, 6277 Center Grove Rd.
- 1/13/2020: 2 p.m. – 6 p.m., Edwardsville Public Library, 112 S. Kansas
- 1/21/2020: 2:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m., GC Cuisine and Crystal Gardens, 1230 University Dr.
- 1/23/2020: 3 p.m. – 7 p.m., YMCA, 7348 Goshen Road
- 1/26/2020: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., First Christian Church, 310 S. Main
Godfrey
- 1/8/2020: 2 p.m. – 7 p.m., Alton Wood River Sportsmens Club, 3109 Godfrey Rd.
- 1/21/2020: 12 p.m. – 5 p.m., Simmons Bank, 2810 Godfrey Rd.
Granite City
- 1/21/2020: 2 p.m. – 7 p.m., Knights of Columbus Council 1098, 4225 Old Alton Rd
Hamel
- 1/6/2020: 2 p.m. – 6 p.m., Hamel Community Building, 10 Park Ave.
Highland
- 1/20/2020: 3 p.m. – 7 p.m., Korte Recreation Center, 1 Nagel Dr.
Moro
- 1/21/2020: 3 p.m. – 7 p.m., Meadowbrook Intermediate, 111 West Roosevelt ST
Wood River
- 1/30/2020: 3 p.m. – 7 p.m., Abundant Life Community Church, 781 N 9th Street
_______________
Marion County
Centralia
- 1/15/2020: 11 a.m. – 6 p.m., Calumet Christian Church, 2240 East Calumet Street
- 1/15/2020: 2:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m., Raccoon Elementary School, 3601 State Route 161
- 1/30/2020: 2 p.m. – 6 p.m., Jordan Elementary, 311 Airport Road
Kinmundy
- 1/14/2020: 2:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m., South Central Middle School, 503 South Madison
Salem
- 1/12/2020: 8 a.m. – 12 p.m., St Theresa of Avila Catholic Church, 812 West Main
- 1/20/2020: 1:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m., Salem Township Hospital, 1201 Ricker Drive
_______________
Monroe County
Columbia
- 1/12/2020: 8 a.m. – 1 p.m., Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 400 Palmer Rd
Valmeyer
- 1/20/2020: 2 p.m. – 7 p.m., St Mary Parish Center, 101 S. Meyer
Waterloo
- 1/14/2020: 1 p.m. – 7 p.m., St Paul UCC-Waterloo, 1st and Main
_______________
Montgomery County
Nokomis
- 1/7/2020: 12:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m., St Louis Parish Center, East Union Street
_______________
Randolph County
Chester
- 1/21/2020: 11:30 a.m. – 4 p.m., Chester Memorial Hospital, 1900 State Street
Menard
- 1/15/2020: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., Menard Correctional Center, 711 Kaskaskia Street, PO Box 711
Red Bud
- 1/23/2020: 1:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m., Red Bud Regional Hospital, 325 Spring Street
Sparta
- 1/6/2020: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., Sparta Auxilary Room, Broadway Plaza
_______________
Richland County
Noble
- 1/6/2020: 2 p.m. – 6 p.m., Noble Lions Club Building, 112 West South Avenue
Olney
- 1/6/2020: 9:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., Olney Public Library, 400 W. Main St
- 1/9/2020: 1 p.m. – 6 p.m., VFW, 205 North Walnut
_______________
Saint Clair County
Belleville
- 1/7/2020: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Memorial Hospital Belleville, 4500 Memorial Drive
- 1/13/2020: 2 p.m. – 6 p.m., First Christian Church, 5929 Old St Louis Rd
- 1/13/2020: 3:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m., Notre Dame Academy, 1900 West Belle
- 1/20/2020: 2:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m., St Luke Catholic Church, 301 N Church Street
Fairview Heights
- 1/6/2020: 12:15 p.m. – 7:15 p.m., Fairview Heights Blood Donation Center, 10886 Lincoln Trail
- 1/6/2020: 3 p.m. – 7 p.m., First Baptist Church, 10401 Lincoln Trail
- 1/7/2020: 12:15 p.m. – 7:15 p.m., Fairview Heights Blood Donation Center, 10886 Lincoln Trail
- 1/8/2020: 12:15 p.m. – 7:15 p.m., Fairview Heights Blood Donation Center, 10886 Lincoln Trail
- 1/9/2020: 11:15 a.m. – 6:15 p.m., Fairview Heights Blood Donation Center, 10886 Lincoln Trail
- 1/10/2020: 7:45 a.m. – 2:45 p.m., Fairview Heights Blood Donation Center, 10886 Lincoln Trail
- 1/11/2020: 7:45 a.m. – 2:45 p.m., Fairview Heights Blood Donation Center, 10886 Lincoln Trail
- 1/12/2020: 7:45 a.m. – 2:15 p.m., Fairview Heights Blood Donation Center, 10886 Lincoln Trail
- 1/13/2020: 12:15 p.m. – 7:15 p.m., Fairview Heights Blood Donation Center, 10886 Lincoln Trail
- 1/14/2020: 12:15 p.m. – 7:15 p.m., Fairview Heights Blood Donation Center, 10886 Lincoln Trail
- 1/15/2020: 12:15 p.m. – 7:15 p.m., Fairview Heights Blood Donation Center, 10886 Lincoln Trail
- 1/16/2020: 11:15 a.m. – 6:15 p.m., Fairview Heights Blood Donation Center, 10886 Lincoln Trail
- 1/17/2020: 7:45 a.m. – 2:45 p.m., Fairview Heights Blood Donation Center, 10886 Lincoln Trail
- 1/18/2020: 7:45 a.m. – 2:45 p.m., Fairview Heights Blood Donation Center, 10886 Lincoln Trail
- 1/19/2020: 7:45 a.m. – 2:15 p.m., Fairview Heights Blood Donation Center, 10886 Lincoln Trail
- 1/20/2020: 12:15 p.m. – 7:15 p.m., Fairview Heights Blood Donation Center, 10886 Lincoln Trail
- 1/21/2020: 12:15 p.m. – 7:15 p.m., Fairview Heights Blood Donation Center, 10886 Lincoln Trail
- 1/22/2020: 12:15 p.m. – 7:15 p.m., Fairview Heights Blood Donation Center, 10886 Lincoln Trail
- 1/23/2020: 11:15 a.m. – 6:15 p.m., Fairview Heights Blood Donation Center, 10886 Lincoln Trail
- 1/24/2020: 7:45 a.m. – 2:45 p.m., Fairview Heights Blood Donation Center, 10886 Lincoln Trail
- 1/25/2020: 7:45 a.m. – 2:45 p.m., Fairview Heights Blood Donation Center, 10886 Lincoln Trail
- 1/26/2020: 7:45 a.m. – 2:15 p.m., Fairview Heights Blood Donation Center, 10886 Lincoln Trail
- 1/27/2020: 12:15 p.m. – 7:15 p.m., Fairview Heights Blood Donation Center, 10886 Lincoln Trail
- 1/28/2020: 12:15 p.m. – 7:15 p.m., Fairview Heights Blood Donation Center, 10886 Lincoln Trail
- 1/29/2020: 12:15 p.m. – 7:15 p.m., Fairview Heights Blood Donation Center, 10886 Lincoln Trail
- 1/30/2020: 11:15 a.m. – 6:15 p.m., Fairview Heights Blood Donation Center, 10886 Lincoln Trail
- 1/31/2020: 7:45 a.m. – 2:45 p.m., Fairview Heights Blood Donation Center, 10886 Lincoln Trail
Marissa
- 1/13/2020: 2:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m., Friedens United Church of Christ, 820 North Main Street
Millstadt
- 1/9/2020: 3:30 p.m. – 8 p.m., Millstadt Consolidated School, 211 West Mill Street
O’Fallon
- 1/17/2020: 12 p.m. – 4 p.m., YMCA, 284 North Seven Hills
Shiloh
- 1/27/2020: 3 p.m. – 7 p.m., Corpus Christi Parish Center, 206 Rasp
_______________
Shelby County
Shelbyville
- 1/16/2020: 12 p.m. – 6 p.m., First Baptist Church, 1000 West North 6th
- 1/17/2020: 3 p.m. – 7:30 p.m., Shelbyville Fire Department, 110 N Heinlein Dr.
_______________
Washington County
Ashley
- 1/23/2020: 2 p.m. – 6 p.m., Ashley Community Building, 660 East Main Street
Nashville
- 1/14/2020: 12 p.m. – 6 p.m., Washington County Hospital-Nashville, 705 South Grand
Okawville
- 1/16/2020: 1 p.m. – 6 p.m., St Peter United Church of Christ, 106 West Church
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 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.
***
Terms and conditions apply. More information is available at RedCrossBlood.org/SuperBowl. Valid email address is required. Limit three (3) entries per presenting donor. Winner will be selected and notified via the email listed in their American Red Cross donor profile on or around Jan. 24, 2020. Offer is non-transferable and not redeemable for cash. Void where prohibited. Giveaway begins Jan. 1, 2020, and ends Jan. 19, 2020. The prize shall not be sold on any internet site and any ticket that has been re-sold via the internet will be nullified. The National Football League’s licensed marks (“NFL”; “National Football League” and the NFL Shield design, “Super Bowl” and the Super Bowl LIV logo) on any giveaway related materials have been reviewed by NFL and are used with permission. The NFL Entities have not offered or sponsored this giveaway in any way.