JONESBORO, Ark. (Oct 23, 2019) - As influenza activity picks up this fall, the American Red Cross is urging healthy donors of all blood types to give blood or platelets to ensure a strong blood supply for patients in need. Blood and platelets can only be given by donors who are feeling well.

One way to maintain health is to get a flu vaccine each fall. There is no waiting period to give blood or platelets after receiving a flu shot as long as the donor is symptom-free and fever-free.

For those that have the flu, it is important to wait until they no longer exhibit flu symptoms, have recovered completely and feel well before attempting to donate. Donors must feel healthy and well on the day of the donation.

Donors of all blood types, especially platelet donors and those with type O blood, are urged to give now to ensure a stable supply this fall. Stay healthy this flu season and make an appointment to donate blood by downloading the free Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or by enabling the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device.



Area blood drives, through 11/15/19:
 

Jonesboro

• 10/23/19:  12pm-6pm, Arkansas State University Armory, 1921 Aggie Rd
• 10/29/19:  2:30pm-6:30pm, Nice-Pak Products Inc, 1 Nice-Pak Rd
• 10/30/19:  2:30pm-6:30pm, Nice-Pak Products Inc, 1 Nice-Pak Rd
• 11/11/19:  1pm-5pm, WOLFLIFE Campus Ministry Arkansas State University, 2304 Shelton St
• 11/20/19:  11:30am-3:30pm, ASU Honors Living Learning Community, 2516 Honors Ave
• 11/21/19:  9am-3pm, NYIT Wilson Hall, 2405 Aggie Rd
• 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 or call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767) 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.

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.