The American Red Cross urges donors to give blood or platelets now to help curb a drop in donor turnout this fall.

Donors of all blood types and those giving platelets are asked to book a time to donate at a Red Cross blood donation center or community blood drive to help give hospitals the tools they need to care for patients ahead of the holidays.

To say thank you, all who come to give October 27-November 16, 2025, will get $20 in e-gift cards to a choice of merchants, plus automatic entry for a chance to win one of three $5,000 prizes.

Don’t wait – Schedule a time to give blood or platelets by visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS, or by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App.

November is National Diabetes Awareness Month.

Understanding our own health is the foundation for helping prevent chronic illness and saving lives.

Blood and platelet donations can be a part of that journey.

To help empower and educate our blood donors, in November, successful donations will get free A1C testing, commonly used to screen for prediabetes and diabetes.

(One test result in a 12-month period; do not fast before donating).

Upcoming blood donation opportunities, November 1-16:

Champaign

Urbana

11/12/2025: 12 p.m. – 6 p.m., Urbana Champaign County Senior Center, 150 Patrick Avenue

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Logan

Bellefontaine

11/3/2025: 12 p.m. – 6 p.m., First United Methodist Church, 201 North Main Street

East Liberty

11/12/2025: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Transportation Research Center, 10820 State Route 347

To donate blood, 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 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.