Media Contact: Alexis Gonzalez
Telephone: (682) 419-6682
Alexis.Gonzalez@RedCross.org

WICHITA FALLS, TEXAS, Oct. 7, 2024 – The American Red Cross Serving Big Country welcomes the fall season with a blood drive on October 11 as it strives to keep the blood supply stable. Donors of all blood types, especially those with type O blood, those giving platelets and those who have never given before, are needed now.

Only 3 out of 100 Americans donate blood. With the blood supply still at critical levels, every single donation is key to making sure all patients relying on lifesaving transfusions, including car accident victims and those living with sickle cell disease, get the care they need.

The Red Cross depends on thousands of volunteer blood donors to collect about 12,000 blood donations every single day. With no substitute for blood and no way to manufacture it, volunteer donors are essential in transfusion care. Blood drives and donation centers also depend on the generosity and valuable time of those who make it possible for the Red Cross to help people in need.

Come and roll up your sleeve in response to the ongoing need for blood donations on
Friday, October 11, from 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

American Red Cross Serving Big Country
1809 5th Street
Wichita Falls, TX 76301

Visit RedCrossBlood.org, and enter arcwichitafalls download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, or call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767) and schedule an appointment to give today! As a thank-you, those who come to give Oct. 1-31 will receive a $10 Amazon.com Gift Card by email, plus be automatically entered for a chance to win one of three $5,000 gift cards. For full details, visit RedCrossBlood.org/Treat.

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.

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.