Jonesboro, AR – Contributed – The need for blood is constant, and the American Red Cross urges people of all blood types to make an appointment to give blood or now to help ensure patients continue to receive the care they depend on.

The Red Cross supplies hospitals across the country with more than 6.5 million blood products each year, all made possible through the generosity of volunteer donors. Now is the time to step into the fall season with a lifesaving act. 

September is National Preparedness Month — an important time to remember that disasters can happen without warning, but preparedness begins today. A strong blood supply is essential in response to every type of disaster, whether it be home fires or natural disasters.

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

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

In Craighead County, those wishing to give blood may do so on Sept. 30 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the American Red Cross Jonesboro, located at 2416 S. Madison St.

Other blood donation opportunities across Northeast Arkansas from Sept. 22 through Oct. 6 are below:

Clay County

  • Corning
    • Oct. 5: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., Corning High School, 500 Bobcat Lane
  • Rector
    • Sept. 28: 1 p.m. – 5 p.m., Rector Community Center, 740 E. 9th St.

Cross County

  • Wynne
    • Sept. 29: 11 a.m. – 3 p.m., Wynne Baptist Church, 1200 Bridges Ave. E.

Mississippi County

  • Osceola
    • Oct. 5: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., Kagome Foods, Inc, 710 N. Pearl St.
  • Wilson
    • Oct. 1: 11 a.m. – 3 p.m., Rivercrest Junior High, 1702 State Hwy 14

Poinsett County

  • Marked Tree
    • Oct. 2: 1 p.m. – 5 p.m., First United Methodist Church, 304 Frisco St.

Saint Francis County

  • Forrest City
    • Oct. 1: 12 p.m. – 5 p.m., Forrest City First United Methodist Church, 101 S. Izard St.

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 here or use the Blood Donor App.

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