Make a difference: Red Cross blood drives

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ST. GEORGE —The American Red Cross encourages eligible blood donors to make a difference in the lives of patients this spring by giving blood. Various opportunities are coming up for Southern Utahns to do just that.

Donated blood is perishable and must be constantly replenished to keep up with the demand. Red blood cells, with a shelf life of only 42 days, are the most frequently transfused blood component and are always needed by hospitals, according to a press release from the American Red Cross.

Eligible donors can give red cells through either a regular whole blood donation or a double red cell donation, where available. Double red cell donations yield twice the usual amount of red cells in a single appointment and are accepted at select donation locations. Double red cell donors must meet additional eligibility criteria, which will be determined at the donation appointment.

Donors with all blood types are needed, especially those with types O-negative, A-negative and B-negative. Whole blood can be donated every 56 days, and double red cells may be donated every 112 days, up to three times per year.

Upcoming blood donation opportunities

  • Cedar City
    • April 3, 8 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Sharwan Smith Center, 351 W. University Blvd.
    • April 6, 2-6:30 p.m., Christ the King Catholic Church, 690 S. Cove Drive
    • April 9, 2-7:30 p.m., Cross Hollow LDS Stake-Canyon View Chapel, 1925 W. 320 South
    • April 11, 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., Cedar City Library, 303 N. 100 East
    • April 20, 10:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., State Bank of Southern Utah, 377 N. Main St.
    • April 21, 10:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., State Bank of Southern Utah, 377 N. Main St.
    • April 24, 8:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Cedar City High School, 703 W. 600 South
    • April 29, 8:15 a.m.-2 p.m., Canyon View High School, 166 W. 1925 North
    • April 30 2-7 p.m., Cedar City LDS Stake Center, 725 S. 1100 West
    • May 2, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Pathway to Wellness, 1800 W. Royal Hunte Drive
  • Kanab
    • April 8, 12:30-5:30 p.m., Kanab LDS Stake Center, 115 N. Center St.
  • Hurricane
    • April 17, 8 a.m.-12:15 p.m., Washington County Sheriff’s Office, 750 S. 5400 West
    • April 22, 8:15 a.m.-2 p.m., Hurricane High School, 345 W. 100 South
  • Ivins
    • April 15, 2 -7:30 p.m., Old Ivins Chapel, 40 W. Center St.
  • St. George
    • April 3, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., St. George Blood Donation Center, 476 E. Riverside Drive, Suite B6
    • April 3, 1:30- 6 p.m., Dixie Regional Medical Center, 1380 E. Medical Center Drive
    • April 6, 1-6 p.m., St. George Blood Donation Center, 476 E. Riverside Drive, Suite B6
    • April 10, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., St. George Blood Donation Center, 476 E. Riverside Drive, Suite B6
    • April 10, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Washington County Government, 87 N. St. George Blvd.
    • April 13, 1-6 p.m., St. George Blood Donation Center, 476 E. Riverside Drive, Suite B6
    • April 13, 1-6 p.m., St. George Catholic Church, 259 W. 200 North
    • April 14, 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., Dixie State University, Rural Health Scholars, 225 S. 700 East
    • April 16, 2-6:30 p.m., St. George Red Cliffs LDS Stake Center, 1285 N. Bluff St.
    • April 17, 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m., Good Shepherd Presbyterian Church, 611 N. 2450 East
    • April 17, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., St. George Blood Donation Center, 476 E. Riverside Drive, Suite B6
    • April 20, 1-6 p.m., St. George Blood Donation Center, 476 E. Riverside Drive, Suite B6
    • April 24, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., St. George Blood Donation Center, 476 E. Riverside Drive, Suite B6
    • April 27, 1-6 p.m., St. George Blood Donation Center, 476 E. Riverside Drive, Suite B6
    • May 1, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., St. George Blood Donation Center, 476 E. Riverside Drive, Suite B6
    • May 1, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., St. George City Offices, 175 E. 200 North

How to donate blood

Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 800-RED CROSS (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.

Resources

  • To find a donation opportunity or make an appointment to give blood, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767).

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