FREE ACCESS: Area to host several blood drives

Turn over a new leaf — give blood or platelets this fall

The American Red Cross is asking the public to start the season off with a lifesaving blood or platelet donation. While the leaves turn, the need for blood never changes. Those who give this fall play an important role in keeping the blood supply high enough to help patients counting on blood products for care– especially ahead of the busy holiday season. Book a time to give blood or platelets by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

As a thank-you, the Red Cross is offering these exciting opportunities for donors:

• All who come to give through Friday will be automatically entered for a chance to win a VIP NASCAR racing experience, including two tickets to a 2023 Sport Clips Haircuts-sponsored race of the winner’s choice, round-trip airfare for two, up to a three-night hotel stay, and entry to a Sport Clips racetrack hospitality tent, if available, plus a $750 gift card, thanks to Sport Clips.

• Those who come to give in September will also receive a coupon for a free haircut by email, also thanks to Sport Clips. Details are available at rcblood.org/racetogive.

• All who come to give Oct. 1-31, will receive a $5 e-Gift Card by email to a merchant of choice.

Upcoming area blood donation opportunities between now and Oct. 7 include:

• Poplar Bluff — Thursday, 1:30- 5:30 p.m., Poplar Bluff Seventh-Day Adventist Church, 2509 Roxie Road; and Oct. 4: 1:30-5:30 p.m., The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints of Poplar Bluff, 2414 Katy Lane.

• Ellsinore — Thursday, 1-5 p.m., Ellsinore General Baptist Church, 16 North Herren.

• Campbell — Wednesday, noon-6 p.m., Campbell High School, 801 Highway 53 South.

• Ellington — Thursday, 1-5 p.m., Southern Reynolds County High School, One School Street

• Dexter — Oct. 7, 8:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., Dexter High School, 1101 West Grant

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