Give now until Nov. 11 and receive a $5 Amazon.com gift card
During Breast Cancer Awareness Month this October, the American Red Cross urges eligible donors to band together to provide hope and healing to patients fighting cancer by giving blood or platelets.
In appreciation, those who donate between Oct. 15 and Nov. 11 will receive a $5 Amazon.com gift card via email, courtesy of Suburban Propane.
Donors are asked to make appointments by downloading the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS (733-2767) or enabling the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device.
To thank those who come to give in October, the Red Cross is also offering a $1,000 Amazon.com gift card to five lucky winners. More information and details are available at RedCrossBlood.org/Unite.
COVID-19 information for donors
The Red Cross is testing blood, platelet and plasma donations for COVID-19 antibodies. The test may indicate if the donor’s immune system has produced antibodies to this coronavirus, regardless of whether an individual developed COVID-19 symptoms.
Red Cross antibody tests will be helpful to identify individuals who have COVID-19 antibodies and may now help current coronavirus patients in need of convalescent plasma transfusions. Convalescent plasma is a type of blood donation collected from COVID-19 survivors that have antibodies that may help patients who are actively fighting the virus.
COVID-19 antibody test results will be available within one to two weeks in the Red Cross Blood Donor App or donor portal at RedCrossBlood.org. A positive antibody test result does not confirm infection or immunity. The Red Cross is not testing donors to diagnose illness, referred to as a diagnostic test.
To protect the health and safety of Red Cross staff and donors, it is important that individuals who do not feel well or believe they may be ill with COVID-19 postpone donation.
Each Red Cross blood drive and donation center follows the highest standards of safety and infection control, and additional precautions – including temperature checks, social distancing and face coverings for donors and staff – have been implemented to help protect the health of all those in attendance.
Donors are asked to schedule an appointment prior to arriving at the drive and are required to wear a face covering or mask while at the drive, in alignment with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention public guidance.
Upcoming area blood donation opportunities include:
- Elkhorn, Wednesday, Oct. 28, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Sperino’s Monte Carlo Room, 720 N. Wisconsin St.
- Sharon, Tuesday, Nov. 3, 1 to 6 p.m., Christ Lutheran Church, 228 Martin St.
For more information, visit redcross.org.
