Shake up your holiday tradition and join the American Red Cross at the 37th annual Madison Holiday Blood Drive. This festive blood drive provides an opportunity for eligible donors to give blood Dec. 23, from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Exhibition Hall at the Alliant Energy Center, 1919 Alliant Energy Center Way. Appointments are encouraged. Walk-ins are welcomed.

This blood drive, complete with holiday atmosphere, provides an opportunity to start a new holiday tradition or continue an existing one – by donating blood. You are able to bond with those you love, make new friends and give a meaningful gift that helps people through some of life’s toughest moments. When you choose to give blood, your gift can bring comfort and hope to hospital patients in need. Give something that means something.

Donating blood to the Red Cross is a simple act of kindness you can do in about an hour. Show your holiday spirit, help someone in need and feel good doing it. Those who have not given recently or those who might have never donated before are encouraged to schedule an appointment.

The 37th annual Holiday Blood Drive is the largest one-day blood drive in the Wisconsin Region, with more than 700 community members rolling up a sleeve to help save lives each year. Last year, 755 lifesaving donations were collected at the blood drive which was the highest number of donations collected in more than 20 years.

The Red Cross is thanking those who come to give Dec. 23, 2022, at the Madison Holiday Blood Drive with an exclusive long-sleeved T-shirt, while supplies last. Donors will also be treated to special snacks and refreshments. Free parking will be available.

“We would never be able to host such a successful drive without the incredible support of the community,” said Kyle Kriegl, Executive Director for the Southwest Wisconsin Chapter of the American Red Cross. “Year after year, the community steps up to the call for blood donations which go toward helping to save lives. We are grateful for those who respond to the constant need for blood donations at such a critical time of the year.”

Special thanks go out to our sponsors WKOW 27 News, Audacy Madison – 105.5 Triple M, 94.9 WOLX, and Mix 105.1 for helping to sponsor the blood drive.

How 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.

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