Red Cross seeks blood and platelet donors, especially type O, in Kentucky

What This Story Is About

• The Red Cross is asking donors, especially those with type O blood, to give blood or platelets

Why It Matters

• The Red Cross says the last two months of the year can be a challenge for donors with packed schedules

What Happens Next

• Donors who give Nov. 23 to Dec. 6 will receive a Red Cross x Wheel of Fortune mug and be entered to win a trip to Los Angeles

For Context

• The Red Cross lists 16 upcoming drives in Kentucky, starting Nov. 16, and offers free A1C testing in November

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. (WBKO) - The American Red Cross is asking donors of all blood types, especially those with type O blood, to make an appointment to give blood or platelets, according to a news release issued Nov. 9.

Why the Red Cross is asking now

The Red Cross said the last two months of the year can be a challenge for many donors who are trying to balance regular donation appointments with seasonal activities and holiday planning.

Wheel of Fortune mug and trip entry

The Red Cross and “Wheel of Fortune” are teaming up to give back to donors this Thanksgiving, according to the release.

Donors who give blood or platelets between Nov. 23 and Dec. 6 will receive a Red Cross x Wheel of Fortune oversized mug, while supplies last.

All donors who give during that period will be entered automatically for a chance to win a three-night trip for two to Los Angeles with entry to a “Wheel of Fortune” taping. Full details are at RedCrossBlood.org/WheelofFortune.

Free A1C testing in November

During National Diabetes Awareness Month in November, successful donations will receive free A1C testing, according to the release. The release said donors get one result per calendar year and should not fast before donating. Details are at RedCrossBlood.org/Maze.

How to make an appointment

Donors can reserve a spot by visiting RedCrossBlood.org, downloading the Red Cross Blood Donor App or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). Donors also can enable the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device, according to the release.

Upcoming blood drives

The Red Cross listed these blood drives:

Nov. 16

• Willisburg Christian Church, 2681 Lawrenceburg Road, Willisburg: 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Nov. 17

• Glasgow Baptist Church, 401 S. Green St., Glasgow: 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Nov. 18

• Lindsey Wilson University, 388-398 Williams St., Columbia: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Nov. 19

• St. Joseph Catholic Church, 204 N. Main St., Leitchfield: 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Nov. 20

• Campbellsville University, 1 University Drive, Campbellsville: 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
• 3trees Church, 1375 Hodgenville Road, Campbellsville: 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Nov. 23

• Stith Funeral Home, 506 Shelby St., Junction City: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Cub Run Fire Department, 90 E. Gap Hill Road, Cub Run: 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Nov. 24

• St. Augustine, 235 S. Spalding Ave., Lebanon: 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Nov. 25

• American Legion Post 81, 415 Lee Ave., Leitchfield: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Taylor Regional Hospital, 1700 Old Lebanon Road, Campbellsville: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Dec. 1

• Kyrock Elementary, 5720 Highway 259 N., Kyrock: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Radiant Church GC, 5170 Beaver Dam Road, Leitchfield: 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Dec. 2

• Glasgow State Nursing Facility, 207 State Ave., Glasgow: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Dec. 3

• Greensburg Community Center, 110 N. First St., Greensburg: 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Dec. 6

• St. Charles Church, 675 Highway 327, Lebanon: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Donor requirements

Donors need a blood donor card, a driver’s license or two other forms of identification at check-in, according to the release.

People who are 17 in most states, or 16 with parental consent where state law allows, weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. The release said high school students and other donors 18 and younger also must meet certain height and weight requirements.

Donors can use RapidPass to complete the pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online on the day of their donation, before they arrive. Instructions are at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or in the Blood Donor App.