During National Sickle Cell Awareness Month, the American Red Cross urges eligible donors to give blood to help ensure a stable and diverse blood supply for patients in need – and there are several opportunities in the Kansas City area and northwest Missouri.
A diverse blood supply is important to ensure the needs of all patients are met. Red blood cells carry markers that determine one’s blood type, and some blood types are unique to certain racial and ethnic groups. Because blood from donors of the same ethnic background as the recipient is less likely to cause complications, the Red Cross must maintain a diverse blood supply to meet these diverse patient needs.
Whether blood is needed for a chronic condition such as sickle cell disease, a surgical procedure or a large-scale emergency, it’s the blood already on the shelves that helps save lives. Donors of all blood types are needed.
To make an appointment to give blood, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). Donors are encouraged to make appointments and complete the RapidPass online health history questionnaire at redcrossblood.org/rapidpass to help reduce wait times.
Those who come out to give blood or platelets through Sept. 30 will receive a free haircut coupon via email, courtesy of Sport Clips Haircuts. The coupon is valid through Nov. 6, at participating Sport Clips locations, and donors must have a valid email address on record to receive the coupon.
Upcoming blood donation opportunities:
KANSAS
Leavenworth
Sept. 17, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.: VFW Post 56, 523 Cherokee St.Sept. 26, 10 a.m-2 p.m.: Fairfield Inn & Suites, 1101 N. 4th St.
Lenexa
Sept. 20, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.: Lifetime Fitness, 16851 W. 90th St.
Olathe
Sept. 21, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.: Premiere Global Services, 18103 W. 106th St.Sept. 28, 2:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m.: Genesis Health Clubs, 13370 S. Blackfoot Dr.
Overland Park
Sept. 19, 2 p.m.-6 p.m.: Paul Mitchell the School Overland Park, 8731 W. 95th St.Sept. 22, 2 p.m.-6 p.m.: Lifetime Fitness OP, 6800 W. 138th St.
MISSOURI
Kansas City
Sept. 16, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.: Hy Vee 64th Street, 5330 NW 64th St.
Riverside
Sept. 27, 2 p.m.-6 p.m.: Riverside Community Center, 4498 NW High Dr.
St. Joseph
Sept. 19, 2 p.m.-6 p.m.: YMCA, 3601 N. Village Dr.
Sept. 21, 2 p.m.-6 p.m.: Northwest American Red Cross Missouri Chapter, 401 N. 12th St.
Sept. 29, 2 p.m.-6 p.m.: Hy-Vee, 201 N. Belt Hwy.
To donate blood, download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) 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 (16 with parental consent in some states), 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 donors can now 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, prior to arriving at the blood drive. To get started and learn more, visit redcrossblood.org/RapidPass and follow the instructions on the site.
