FCCLA Red Cross Blood Drive March 2nd 9am-3pm
Launch the media gallery 1 playerFCCLA will be hosting their annual spring Red Cross Blood Drive Thursday, March 2nd, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Plainview High School Pirate Auditorium. Severe winter storms throughout the United States caused numerous blood drives to be canceled leading the Red Cross to issue an emergency need for blood and platelet donors to address the severe winter blood shortage.
FCCLA Members and students in Consumer Finance class began calling past community donors this week to set up donation appointments. Calls will continue to be made through March 1st to encourage everyone to donate. To make your own appointment to donate blood, simply call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767), visit redcrossblood.org, or contact Ronita Jacobsen at Plainview High School (402-582-4991). All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients.
The day of the drive, bring your blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification as they are required at check-in. Individuals who are 16 years of age, weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. Students who are 16 years of age are required by the Red Cross to bring a completed parental permission form. This form may be picked up from Ronita Jacobsen at the High School or e-mailed to you. Donors may speed up the donation process by completing Rapid Pass at http://www.redcrossblood.org/rapidpass before coming to the drive that day.
“Accident victims can require up to 100 pints of blood, but they aren’t the only people who rely on blood transfusions.” Said Tricia Quinn, CEO of the Red Cross Midwest Blood Serves Region. “The blood you donate through the Red Cross can also help cancer patients, organ transplant recipients, premature babies and many others.”
The blood supply is particularly vulnerable during the holiday season because donors travel and spend time with family and friends and may forget to schedule a donation appointment. Because red blood cells have a shelf life of only 42 days, it is vital for those eligible to give blood regularly.
The American Red Cross provides shelter, food and clothing to victims of disasters; supplies more than 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches lifesaving skills; ministers 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 join our blog at blog.redcross.org.