GREENSBORO, N.C. — WFMY News 2 and the American Red Cross are teaming up to host our annual holiday blood drive. It's Tuesday, December 12 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Greensboro Coliseum Special Event Center (Piedmont Hall).
The holiday season is a time for festivities and family. It's also a time to give back. Your gift of blood can bring hope to hospital patients in need. The holidays are also time of traditions. Whether giving blood is a family tradition, or you're making it a new one, giving blood can be an opportunity to bond with those you love or make new friends. Whether you bring the whole family or donate by yourself, be sure to join us at the WFMY News 2 Holiday Blood Drive!
The Red Cross says this time of year is traditionally challenging for the nation’s blood supply as many blood donors delay giving due to seasonal illness, holiday events and travel which can lead to delays in treatments for patients relying on blood. Donors are needed now, and in the weeks to come to prevent a shortfall in donations.
The WFMY Holiday Blood Drive is set for Tuesday, December 12 at Piedmont Hall. You can make an appointment online (Use the sponsor code: WFMY) or walk-in from 7 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Those who come to give Dec. 1 - Dec. 17 will receive a $10 Amazon.com Gift Card via email, thanks to the Red Cross' partners at Amazon. The first 100 donors can get a free Biscuitville biscuit. Other donors will receive t-shirts, and WFMY News 2 swag. The goal of the drive is to collect 258 units of blood.
Anyone 16 and up can donate with parental consent, as long as they are in good health. You can donate blood every 56 days.
If you're a first-time donor, here is what to expect:
- After checking in, donors will answer a few questions about your health history and places you’ve traveled, during a private and confidential interview.
- You’ll tell us about any prescription and/or over-the-counter medications that may be in your system. We’ll check your temperature, pulse, blood pressure, and hemoglobin level.
- Then, the donation itself is only about 8-10 minutes on average.
- After donating blood, you’ll have a snack and something to drink in the refreshment area.
- You’ll leave after 10-15 minutes and continue your normal routine.
To donate blood, individuals need to bring a blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification that 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 must meet certain height and weight requirements.
Donors can save up to 15 minutes at the blood drive by completing a RapidPass®. With RapidPass®, donors complete the pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of donation, from a mobile device or computer. To complete a RapidPass®, click here or use the Red Cross Blood Donor App.