Asheville Community Urged to Donate Blood This Holiday Season to Save Lives

Asheville Residents Encouraged to Roll Up Their Sleeves for Life-Saving Blood Donations

Hey Asheville! As we head into the holiday season, there’s a very important call to action for our community—donating blood. Just imagine the difference you can make for someone in need! The American Red Cross Blood Services has announced several upcoming blood drives, and they’re seeking donors of all blood types to ensure that hospitals have a sufficient supply to meet patient needs. Each donation can save lives, and it’s a simple way to give back to your community.

Mark Your Calendars for These Blood Drives!

Here’s a quick lineup of when and where you can donate:

• Friday, December 13, 2024 from 09:00 AM to 02:00 PM at the Reuter Family YMCA, located at 3 Town Square Blvd, Asheville, NC 28803 in the Youth Lounge.
• Thursday, December 19, 2024 from 08:00 AM to 01:00 PM at Clyde A. Erwin High School, in the Auxiliary Gym at 60 Lees Creek Road, Asheville, NC 28806.
• Friday, December 20, 2024 from 01:00 PM to 06:00 PM at 12 Bones Brewing, right on the American Red Cross Bus, located at 2350 Hendersonville Rd, Arden, NC 28704.
• Monday, December 23, 2024 from 12:00 PM to 05:00 PM at Lowe’s of West Asheville on the American Red Cross Bus, at 95 Smokey Park Highway, Asheville, NC 28806.
• Thursday, December 26, 2024 from 11:30 AM to 04:30 PM at the Asheville American Red Cross – Clara Barton Blood Drive at 100 Edgewood Road, Asheville, NC 28804.
• Thursday, December 26, 2024 from 09:00 AM to 02:00 PM at the Asheville YMCA, on the American Red Cross Bus at 30 Woodfin Street, Asheville, NC 28801.

Why Your Donation Matters

Did you know that blood is often needed for trauma and surgery patients? With the holiday season being a particularly demanding time for medical facilities, the need becomes even more urgent. That’s where you come in! Donors of type O, B negative, and A negative blood types are especially encouraged to participate, as they can make an even greater impact through what’s called a Power Red donation.

Power Red donations focus on collecting a concentrated dose of red blood cells, which are the most commonly transfused component. During this type of donation, your red blood cells are separated from the other components, allowing plasma and platelets to be returned safely to you. It’s a simple process that helps amplify the lifesaving potential of your donation.

How to Prepare for Your Donation

Thinking about donating? Here are a few things to know:

• You can make an appointment by downloading the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting their website, or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
• To speed things up on donation day, consider completing the RapidPass® online health history questionnaire.
• Don’t forget to bring along a blood donor card or your driver’s license and two other forms of ID.
• Eligibility typically requires you to be at least 17 years old (or 16 with parental consent), weigh at least 110 pounds, and be in generally good health.

High school students and those under 18 should be aware of specific height and weight requirements, so check in advance to make sure you’re good to go!

Join the Movement

As we embrace the spirit of giving this holiday season, let’s remember that donating blood is one of the most impactful gifts we can offer. So, gather your friends, family, or colleagues and make a plan to donate together! Every drop counts, and you have the power to help save lives in your community. Let’s show Asheville that we care! Happy donating!