PRESS RELEASE
Every day, patients across the country rely on blood donated through the American Red Cross. While the need is ongoing, the supply isn’t — especially around the holidays, when regular donors travel and spend time with family and friends and may forget to schedule an appointment.
Blood donations help save the lives of people like Amy Jones, who was diagnosed with leukemia at 10 years old and underwent chemotherapy treatments every six weeks. Like many cancer patients, Jones received several transfusions.
Jones’s leukemia went into remission after two and a half years of treatments, but she eventually relapsed, forcing her to endure more intense chemotherapy. After receiving more than 100 pints of donated blood and platelets, her cancer went into remission again. Now in her 30s, Jones has been cancer-free for almost 20 years and encourages others to donate.
The only way to provide lifesaving blood and platelets for patients in need is through the generosity of donors. Donors can help the Red Cross maintain a stable blood supply this holiday season by making an appointment to donate at redcrossblood.org or 1-800-RED CROSS.
Upcoming blood donation opportunities:
Jackson and Wyandotte counties
Dec. 8 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Cabelas, 10300 Cabela Drive in Kansas City, Kan.
Dec. 2 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Eagle Creek Church, 1499 SW Market St. in Lees Summit, Mo.
Dec. 11 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at DeLaSalle High School, 3740 Forest in Kansas City, Mo.
Dec. 11 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Anthem College Kansas City, 9001 Stateline Road in Kansas City, Mo.
Johnson County, Mo.
Dec. 12 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at MO Department of Social Services, 505 N. Ridgeview Drive in Warrensburg, Mo.
Johnson County, Kan.
Dec. 6 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Valley View Bank, 7500 W. 95th St. in Overland Park, Kan.
Dec. 12 from 12-4 p.m. at Olathe Police Department, 501 E. Old 56 Highway in Olathe, Kan.
How to donate blood
Simply call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org 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.
