Jonesboro, AR – Contributed – The American Red Cross urges people not to wait to make a lifesaving impact this fall by scheduling a blood donation appointment in September.

The blood supply remains vulnerable after recovering from critically low levels during a summer blood shortage, and now is the time for donors of all blood types to help patients who count on blood products for care.

Reserve a spot to give now. Click here, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or use the Red Cross Blood Donor App to schedule a blood donation appointment.

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Those who come to give Sept. 1-20 will receive an exclusive Red Cross x Hello Kitty plush mascot clip and surprise sticker pack, while supplies last! Click here for details.

Those who come to give Sept. 21-Oct. 18 will receive a $15 e-gift card to a merchant of their choice. Click here for details.

Additionally, all who come to give Sept. 21-30 at Red Cross blood donation centers and mention the word “pickleball” to Red Cross staff or volunteers onsite can score a custom Red Cross pickleball paddle and ball (limited quantities available). Click here for more information.

The donation dates and times in Jonesboro are below:

  • Sept. 11: 1 p.m. – 5 p.m., VFW Post 1991, 300 Airport Road
  • Sept. 14: 12:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m., American Red Cross Jonesboro, 2416 S. Madison St.
  • Sept. 15: 10:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., Families, Inc., 1815 Pleasant Grove Road
  • Sept. 15: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., Arkansas State University, 101 N. Caraway Road, Centennial Ballroom
  • Sept. 16: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., Arkansas State University, 101 N. Caraway Road, Centennial Ballroom
  • Sept. 30: 11 a.m. – 3 p.m., American Red Cross Jonesboro, 2416 S. Madison St.

Leave a Lifesaving Legacy

Even as the seasons change, the need for blood does not. The mission of the Red Cross Blood Services remains constant — and carries on today thanks to the innovation and leadership of Dr. Charles R. Drew.

This year marks the 85th anniversary of Dr. Charles R. Drew’s appointment as the first medical director of the Red Cross Blood Program. To commemorate his lasting contributions, the Red Cross is releasing “Iconic Excellence,” a short documentary exploring Drew’s life and steadfast influence.

Beginning Sept. 18, the film will be available to stream on the Red Cross YouTube channel. Community members can help carry Drew’s legacy forward by donating blood, encouraging others to give or hosting a screening of the documentary to inspire lifesaving action. Learn more and get started here.

How to Donate Blood

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 here or use the Blood Donor App.

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. For more information and to apply, visit click here.

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