Celebrate the season of hope by giving blood or platelets during a blood drive in your community
EAU CLAIRE — December is a time to close out the year by making new memories. With just two weeks left in 2024, the American Red Cross asks donors to give blood or platelets now to help those in need enjoy the rest of the holiday season with loved ones. Donors with type O negative blood and those giving platelets are especially urged to give now so patients can continue to receive the care they count on in the coming weeks.
This is a busy time for many. In addition to travel, seasonal illness and the threat of winter weather can also lead to lower appointment numbers and decreased donor turnout, making it tougher to keep the blood supply stable. Those who give regularly and those looking to give for the first time are encouraged to take one hour this December to help save lives with a blood or platelet donation.
Those who come to give Dec. 16, 2024-Jan. 3, 2025, will receive an exclusive Red Cross long-sleeved T-shirt, while supplies last.
To extend a special thank-you to donors for helping address the need for blood, platelets and plasma during the critical post-holiday time, those who come to give Jan. 1-26, 2025, during National Blood Donor Month, will be automatically entered for a chance to win a trip for two to Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans. Details are available at RedCrossBlood.org/SuperBowl.
Upcoming blood donation opportunities:
Colfax: 1/8/2025: 12 p.m. – 6 p.m., Viking Bowl and Lounge, 108 S. Main St, PO Box 524
Downsville: 1/7/2025: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., New Hope Lutheran Church, N2698 460th St.
Elk Mound: 1/8/2025: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., Shepherd of the Hill Lutheran Church, 207 University St.
Menomonie: 12/27/2024: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., Grace Episcopal Church, E4357 451st Ave.
1/10/2025: 12:30 p.m. – 5 p.m., Menomonie Health and Fitness, 3019 Schneider Ave SE
How to donate blood
Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enable the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device to make an appointment or for more information. 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.
