Thompson Falls to host blood donor drive
As many look ahead at a busy holiday season, the American Red Cross encourages eligible donors across the country to harness their humanity by giving blood in the coming weeks.
As a result of low blood donor turnout in recent months, the Red Cross is heading into the holidays with its lowest blood supply in more than a decade at this time of year.
The ongoing effects of Covid-19 and a summer spike in delta variant cases significantly challenged the nation’s blood supply heading into the fall. The pandemic also resulted in fewer blood drives at schools and colleges, contributing to a 34 percent drop in new blood donors from last year − one of the largest year-to-year decreases and one that could threaten essential medical care for patients. Locally, the Idaho and Montana Red Cross Region has experienced a 12 percent decrease in new blood donors this year.
To make an appointment to give blood as soon as possible, use the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
As a thank-you, all those who come to give Nov. 29-Dec. 16 will be automatically entered for a chance to win a private screening for the winner and 50 of their guests of the epic new film “The Matrix Resurrections.” Plus, those who come to give Nov. 29-Dec. 16 will also get a $10 Amazon.com gift cCard by email, thanks to Amazon.
Here is a list of upcoming blood donation opportunities through Dec. 16:
SANDERS
Thompson Falls
Dec. 8: 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Thompson Falls High School, 601 Golf St.
FLATHEAD
Dec. 2: 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., U.S. Forest Service Offices, 650 Wolfpack Way
Dec. 6: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., Moose Lodge, 2158 Highway 2 E.
Dec. 8: 10 a.m. - 3:15 p.m., Flathead Electric Co-op, 2510 Highway 2 E.
Dec. 13: 12 p.m. - 5 p.m., Family Life Christian Church, 1075 Foys Lake Road
Dec. 14: 11:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Kalispell Center Mall, Center Street
MISSOULA
Missoula
Dec. 1: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., University of Montana Student Life Activities, 32 Campus Drive
Dec. 3: 10 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., University of Montana The James E Todd Center, The University of Montana, 32 Campus Drive
Dec. 6: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., YSEALI YOUnified Blood Drive at the James E. Todd Center, 32 Campus Drive
Dec. 9: 9 a.m. - 1:30 p.m., Discovery Alliance Church, 2630 Connery Way
Dec. 10: 1 p.m. - 6 p.m., Peak Health and Wellness, 5000 Blue Mountain Road
Dec. 15: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Cambium Place, 945 Wyoming St.
Dec. 16: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Missoula Organization of Realtors, 724 Burlington
Health insights for donors
At a time when health information has never been more important, the Red Cross is screening all blood, platelet and plasma donations from self-identified African-American donors for the sickle cell trait.
This additional screening will provide black donors with an additional health insight and help the Red Cross identify compatible blood types more quickly to help patients with sickle cell disease.
Blood transfusion is an essential treatment for those with sickle cell disease, and blood donations from individuals of the same race, ethnicity and blood type have a unique ability to help patients fighting sickle cell disease.
Donors can expect to receive sickle cell trait screening results, if applicable, within one to two weeks through the Red Cross Blood Donor App and the online donor portal at RedCrossBlood.org.
Blood drive safety
Each Red Cross blood drive and donation center follows the highest standards of safety and infection control, and additional precautions – including face masks for donors and staff, regardless of vaccination status – 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.
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.