JONESBORO, Ark. (Feb 10, 2020) - Patients fighting cancer need more blood than patients fighting any other disease, using nearly one-quarter of the nation's blood supply. That's why this February, the American Red Cross and the American Cancer Society have teamed up to encourage people across the country to Give Blood to Give Time, ensuring loved ones have the strength and support to battle cancer.

According to the American Cancer Society, 1 in 3 people in the U.S. will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime. An estimated 17,200 new cases of cancer will be diagnosed in Arkansas this year. Many of these people will likely have a need for blood.

Donors of all blood types are urged to make an appointment to give blood or platelets now using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enabling the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device.  

Area blood drives, through 2/29/2020:
 

• 2/17/2020:  10am-2pm, Southwest Church of Christ, 1601 James St
• 2/18/2020:  12pm-6pm, Arkansas State University, 101 N Caraway, Centennial Ballroom
• 2/19/2020:  12pm-6pm, Arkansas State University, 101 N Caraway, Centennial Ballroom
• 2/21/2020:  9am-2pm, Gairhan Dental Care, 460 Southwest Dr
• 2/24/2020:  1pm-5pm, St Bernards Medical Center, 225 E Jackson
• Visit RedCross.org to set up an appointment at the Jonesboro Blood Donation Center or to see their operating hours for walk-ins.

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 at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Blood Donor App.

About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit RedCross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.