The American Red Cross is asking the public to kick off 2020 by doing something big: Give blood or platelets now to address the critical need for blood donors of all blood types – especially type O – and platelet donors. Donations in January are especially important as they help replenish the blood supply, which is depleted over the holidays when many regular donors are traveling to visit family.
Support the FOX 11 Blood Drive Telethon
Watch FOX 11 LA (KTTV) on Wednesday, January 15 and be a part of the first-of-its-kind blood appointment telethon. Hear from blood recipients, donors and community leaders, and catch a behind-the-scenes look at how blood donations are processed and shipped to hospital patients from our local manufacturing facility. Be sure to call in from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. to make an appointment to donate and help save lives.
A shortfall in donations can cause delays in care
The family of 12-year-old Dagan Hawkins, who was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia in November, knows this all too well. “While at the hospital, Dagan needed platelet and blood transfusions,” said Dustin Hawkins, Dagan’s father. “There was a time when platelets had to be delivered from another location because they were not available.”
Your support can help ensure blood products are there for patients like Dagan, as well as those going through cancer treatments, trauma victims, premature babies and others who depend on transfusions for survival.
Other ways to help: Be a champion for patients in need
To help tackle the current critical need for blood and platelets, the Red Cross has teamed up with the NFL to offer one lucky winner the chance to experience the Super Bowl live in Miami. Those who come to give Jan. 1-19, 2020, will automatically be entered for a chance to win an exciting Super Bowl LIV getaway for two. The Super Bowl LIV getaway package includes two tickets to Super Bowl LIV, entry to the official NFL Tailgate, two tickets to Super Bowl Experience at the Miami Beach Convention Center, round-trip airfare to Miami and three-night hotel accommodations (Jan. 31-Feb. 3, 2020), and a $500 gift card for expenses. Visit RedCrossBlood.org/SuperBowl for more information.
You can help restock the shelves
- Make an appointment to give blood or platelets by downloading the free Blood Donor App, visiting the website or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
- Let your friends and family know there is a critical need for blood and platelet donors and ask them to #GiveNow.
- Bring someone to donate with you.
