Red Cross blood drive scheduled at FCMC

Forrest City Medical Center will be the site of an American Red Cross blood drive Thursday, Jan. 28, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The blood drive will be held in the in-service classroom at the hospital.

"We are so excited for our first Red Cross blood drive of 2021," said Caitlyn Sweet, FCMC Marketing Director.

Sweet said that during the last drive, held in November, the Red Cross collected 18 units of blood, four of which were first- time donors.

Sweet added that according to information she had received from the American Red Cross, those donations potentially saved as many as 54 lives.

"The schedule for this drive actually filled up very early and we were able to go back to our Red Cross representative to increase our goal. We are hoping to fill the new schedule as well and have a really successful drive,” said Sweet.

Sweet said the hospital would continue observing Covid guidelines and policies for the hospital.

"In order to stay in compliance with our Covid- 19 polices and observe social distancing, we strongly encourage donors to schedule an appointment. This will not only allow for social distancing in our lobby area, but it will reduce wait times for our donors, "said Sweet.

Donors may go online at redcrossblood. org and enter ForrestCityMedicalCenter to make an appointment or call 1800-733-2767.

"Red Cross also has an app that can be used to schedule and mange your appointments. By using the app, you will also have the option to fill out the Red Cross RapidPass ®,"said Sweet.

On the day of donation, use the Red Cross website's RapidPass function to answer most of the questions before arriving at the hospital.

"The RapidPass ® allows the team to scan your phone and enter the information for all of the preliminary questions in just a few moments, reducing the time it takes them to finish your intake process,” said Sweet.

Those wanting to donate must wear a mask and use the emergency department entrance for screening purposes, according to Sweet.

"There, you will find signs leading you to the lobby area and our in-service classroom where the drive will be taking place," said Sweet. "All areas of the hospital are cleaned routinely to further limit the spread of Covid19, and hand sanitizing stations can be found frequently throughout the facility."

According to the Red Cross, all donations are still being tested for Covid- 19 antibodies and plasma from antibodypositive donations may help current coronavirus patients in need.

To donate blood, individuals need to have a blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification that are required at check-in. Individuals may schedule an appointment to give blood with the Red Cross by visiting RedCrossBlood. org, using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, calling 1- 800- RED- CROSS or enabling the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device.