ARKANSAS CITY, Kan. (Dec. 22, 2020) – Residents of Arkansas City and Winfield can resolve to help meet the ongoing need for blood this new year and show some civic pride. Each city will hold a Resolve to Give Blood Drive to see which city can start off 2021 with the most blood donations.
In addition to uncertain times due to the pandemic, blood donations usually decline from Thanksgiving to New Year’s Day as people get busy with holiday activities and travel. Donors are needed to help ensure a stable blood supply for patients throughout the winter months.
Leading the way in this friendly rivalry between the two cities, are the Arkansas City fire and police departments and the Winfield fire and police departments who host the Battle of the Badges each summer. For the Resolve to Give Blood Drive, bragging rights are on the line and everyone who comes to give will receive a long-sleeved Red Cross T-shirt, while supplies last. Last year, the first year for the challenge, Arkansas City collected 75 donations to Winfield’s 68 donations.
Arkansas City Resolve to Give Blood Drive
Friday, Jan. 8, from noon – 6 p.m., Central Christian Church, 206 W. Central
“The Arkansas City first responders are happy to be working with the Red Cross for this January blood drive,” said Officer Matt Mayo, Arkansas City police department. “We’re calling all eligible donors in our city to roll up a sleeve and start 2021 by helping to save lives. We can do this Ark City.”
Winfield Resolve to Give Blood Drive
Thursday, Jan7, from, noon – 6 p.m., First United Methodist Church, 1000 Millington
“Again this year, we think Winfield is a lock to collect the most donations during this blood drive,” said Capt. Chad Gordon, Winfield Fire Dept. “If you’re eligible to give, or even if you’ve never given blood before, come on out and represent for Winfield.”
As a new decade starts, choose to give more life. To make an appointment for the Arkansas City vs. Winfield Resolve to Give Blood Drive, 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 and use the sponsor code ArkCityKS for Arkansas City and Winfield.
Important COVID-19 information for donors
The Red Cross is testing blood, platelet and plasma donations for COVID-19 antibodies. The test may indicate if the donor’s immune system has produced antibodies to this coronavirus, regardless of whether an individual developed COVID-19 symptoms. Red Cross antibody tests will be helpful to identify individuals who have COVID-19 antibodies and may now help current coronavirus patients in need of convalescent plasma transfusions. Convalescent plasma is a type of blood donation collected from COVID-19 survivors that have antibodies that may help patients who are actively fighting the virus.
COVID-19 antibody test results will be available within one to two weeks in the Red Cross Blood Donor App or donor portal at RedCrossBlood.org. A positive antibody test result does not confirm infection or immunity. The Red Cross is not testing donors to diagnose illness, referred to as a diagnostic test. To protect the health and safety of Red Cross staff and donors, it is important that individuals who do not feel well or believe they may be ill with COVID-19 postpone donation.
Each Red Cross blood drive and donation center follows the highest standards of safety and infection control, and additional precautions – including temperature checks, social distancing and face coverings for donors and staff – have been implemented to help protect the health of all those in attendance. Donors are asked to schedule an appointment prior to arriving at the drive and are required to wear a face covering or mask while at the drive, in alignment with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention public guidance.
How to donate blood
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.
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.