Press release from American Red Cross
The American Red Cross, WLOS News 13, and iHeart Radio urge donors of all blood types to come out to the 36th annual Operation Blood Drive on Thursday, June 29 in Asheville, Hendersonville, Waynesville and Columbus.
“Generous blood donors are critical to ensuring lifesaving care is available the moment patients need it. It’s important to have blood products on the shelves when every second counts,” said Mariana Vimbela, executive director, Western North Carolina chapter. Right now, there is a great need for donations to address a recent drop in appointments that could lead to fewer transfusions for patients in the weeks ahead.
Type O blood donors are especially needed to ensure a strong blood supply. Individuals of all blood types are urged to schedule an appointment now to give blood.
Appointments can be made by downloading the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org and using ‘OBD2023’ sponsor code, calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enabling the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device.
36th annual Operation Blood Drive
Wednesday, June 28
11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Ferguson Family YMCA Inside Multipurpose Room 31 Westridge Market Pl., Candler, NC 28715
Thursday, June 29
7 a.m. to 7 p.m. | Reuter Family YMCA Gym 3 Town Square Blvd., Asheville, NC 28803
1 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. | Polk Community Steps to Hope 60 Ward St., Columbus, NC 28722
9 a.m. to 3 p.m. | American Red Cross Henderson County Offices 211 1st Ave. East, Hendersonville, NC 28792
1 p.m. to 7 p.m. | Trinity Baptist Church Gymnasium, 216 Shelburne Rd., Asheville, NC 28806
11 a.m. to 7 p.m. | First United Methodist Church Gymnasium, 566 South Haywood St., Waynesville, NC 28786
All presenting blood donors will receive an Operation Blood Drive T-shirt while supplies last! Presenting donors will also be entered into a raffle to win a 4-pack of Cedar Fair tickets at each location. There will also be food donated by local restaurants at each location. In addition of making and keeping appointments, the Red Cross will help donors prepare for beach days and backyard fun as the season begins. Those who come to give June 1-30 will receive a $10 gift card by email to a merchant of their choice. Plus, they’ll also be automatically entered for a chance to win a backyard theater package including a projector and screen, projector tripod, smokeless firepit, Adirondack chair set and a movie night snack package.
How to donate blood
To make an appointment, 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.
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 were 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.
Amplify your impact − volunteer!
Another way to support the lifesaving mission of the Red Cross is to become a volunteer blood donor ambassador at Red Cross blood drives. Blood donor ambassadors help greet, check in and thank blood donors to ensure they have a positive donation experience.
Volunteers can also serve as transportation specialists, playing a vital role in ensuring lifesaving blood products are delivered to nearby hospitals. For more information and to apply for either position, contact or visit redcross.org/volunteertoday.
Before you comment
The comments section is here to provide a platform for civil dialogue on the issues we face together as a local community. Xpress is committed to offering this platform for all voices, but when the tone of the discussion gets nasty or strays off topic, we believe many people choose not to participate. Xpress editors are determined to moderate comments to ensure a constructive interchange is maintained. All comments judged not to be in keeping with the spirit of civil discourse will be removed and repeat violators will be banned. See here for our terms of service. Thank you for being part of this effort to promote respectful discussion.