Red Cross community blood drive scheduled Thursday

The American Red Cross community blood drive will be held in Imperial this Thursday, from 12:30 to 6 p.m. at the Nutrien Event Center at the fairgrounds.
All types of blood are needed, especially type “O” positive or any negative-type blood. These donors can also donate power reds.
Blood supply is critical right now, said Cathy Carman, Red Cross account manager.
The unit goal to reach Thursday is 52, which is important to cover hospital needs, Carman said.
All donors are required to wear a mask per the CDC, no matter their vaccination status.
“We provide safety processes: 6-foot distancing, hand sanitizer, wiping down surfaces and expanded deferral questions,” she said.
Red Cross staff asks there be no extra people accompanying donors,  per social distancing.
“It is also important to know your vaccination manufacturer,” Carman said.
As a whole blood donor, people are eligible to give blood every 56 days up to six times a year.
Drives held in Imperial are scheduled 56 days or more apart so you can support all drives whether it’s community or high school, she said.
“We need volunteer donors to support all our drives. You do make a difference in the lives of others,” said Carman.
Only those feeling healthy and well should donate blood, and appointments are strongly encouraged.
Types of donations
Whole blood donations are the most common of those at Bloodmobiles. They are frequently given to trauma patients.
A pint of blood is drawn for whole blood donations. It takes about an hour to draw the blood. All blood types are accepted.
Donations can be made every 56 days.
Power Red donations are a concentrated dose of red cells, the part of blood used every day for those needing transfusions as part of their care.
An automated process separates the red blood cells from the blood components, then safely and comfortably returns the plasma and platelets to the donor.
The blood is used for trauma patients, newborns and emergency transfusions during birth, people with sickle cell anemia and anyone suffering a blood loss.
It takes about 1.5 hours to donate power red blood. Types of blood needed are O positive, O negative, A negative and B negative.
Donations of power red blood can be made every 112 days or up to three times a year.
    Appointments to give blood can be made online at redcrossblood.org, or call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
    Appointments can also be made by contacting the local community blood drive coordinator, Emma Jenkins, at 308-883-1460.
    To get a RapidPass on the day of a blood donation, donors should visit redcross blood.org/rapidpass, complete the questionnaire, then print  the RapidPass and bring it with them.
    The completed RapidPass form can be shown on a mobile device, as well, when donors arrive.
Free T-shirt
    When donors give blood to help the Red Cross tackle the need blood supply, they will receive a limited-edition college football T-shirt while supplies last.