TYLER, TEXAS, January 11, 2023 — The American Red Cross of North Texas hosts pop up blood drives across East Texas routinely. Blood donations are needed throughout the winter, though there is often a dip due to cool weather. The Red Cross also continues to look for new partners, including churches, businesses and community organizations to host blood drives with. Visit RedCrossBlood.org and click on host for more information.
“In the past twelve months we have hosted 14 blood drives in East Texas with 296 units donated,” said Karen Holt, executive director for the Red Cross East Texas Chapter. “The donation process is easy and quick. Just download the App or call 1-800-733-2767 to schedule your appointment. Most people are in and out in 30 minutes.”
Donors can schedule an appointment by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, by visiting RedCrossBlood.org or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
Upcoming blood donation opportunities Jan. 9 - Jan. 23:
Carthage
1/17/2023: 11 a.m. - 5 p.m., Texas Country Music Hall of Fame, 310 W. Panola St., Carthage, TX 75633
Longview
1/16/2023: 12 - 5 p.m., Longview Community Sickle Cell Warriors of Texas, 501 Pine Tree Rd., Longview, TX 75604
Tyler
1/20/2023: 10:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., American Red Cross serving East Texas - Tyler, 320 East Rieck Rd., Tyler, TX 75703
1/21/2023: 9 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., New Life Community Church, 1201 N. NW Loop 323, Tyler, TX 75702
Blood drive safety
The Red Cross follows a high standard of safety and infection control. The Red Cross will continue to socially distance wherever possible at blood drives, donation centers and facilities. While donors are no longer required to wear a face mask, individuals may choose to continue to wear a mask for any reason. The Red Cross will also adhere to more stringent face mask requirements per state and/or local guidance, or at the request of blood drive sponsors. Donors are asked to schedule an appointment prior to arriving at a drive.
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 must 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 comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org/northtexas or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCrossNTX.