Red Cross urges blood donations this fall

KBSI FOX23 News at 9 p.m.

KENTUCKY (KBSI) – The American Red Cross is urging donors to give blood or platelets this fall to help maintain a strong blood supply for patients in need.

Donors of all blood types, especially O positive and B negative, are encouraged to schedule an appointment. Those who donate between Sept. 22 and Oct. 19 will receive a $10 Amazon.com gift card by email.

“Every single donation is key to ensuring patients—from accident victims to those living with sickle cell disease or cancer—receive critical transfusions,” the Red Cross said in a statement.

Blood drives will take place across Kentucky and southern Illinois, including:

Calvary Baptist Church, Princeton, Ky. – Oct. 2, 12–6 p.m.

Century Unit School District 100, Ullin, Ill. – Oct. 1, 11 a.m.–4 p.m.

Elkton Baptist Church, Elkton, Ky. – Oct. 3, 11 a.m.–5 p.m.

First Baptist Church, Metropolis, Ill. – Oct. 6, 11 a.m.–5 p.m.

First Christian Church, Benton, Ky. – Oct. 13, 1–6 p.m.

First Christian Church, Paducah, Ky. – Oct. 13, 11:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

First Presbyterian Church, Murray, Ky. – Oct. 2, 12:30–5:30 p.m.

Jackson Purchase Medical Center, Mayfield, Ky. – Oct. 8, 7 a.m.–12 p.m.

Lone Oak Church of Christ, Paducah, Ky. – Oct. 15, 2:30–7:30 p.m.

Marshall County Hospital, Benton, Ky. – Oct. 10, 10 a.m.–3 p.m.

MCCH Center for Health and Wellness, Murray, Ky. – Oct. 14, 11 a.m.–3 p.m.

Paducah Blood Donation Center, Paducah, Ky. – multiple dates Oct. 1–15

Play Your Part Blood Drive, Paducah, Ky. – Oct. 14, 1–6 p.m.

Rest Church, Paducah, Ky. – Oct. 10, 12–5 p.m.

Shawnee Community College, Ullin, Ill. – Oct. 8, 11 a.m.–4 p.m.

St. Stephen Catholic Church, Cadiz, Ky. – Oct. 7, 12–5 p.m.

St. John’s Episcopal Church, Murray, Ky. – Oct. 9, 11 a.m.–4 p.m.

Appointments can be made through the Red Cross Blood Donor App, at RedCrossBlood.org, by calling 1-800-RED CROSS, or by enabling the Blood Donor Skill on Alexa devices.

Eligible donors must present a blood donor card, driver’s license or two forms of identification. Donors must be at least 17 years old in most states (16 with parental consent where permitted), weigh at least 110 pounds, and be in good health.