Public asked to support cancer patients at NPCC blood drive

Cancer patients will be the focus of an American Red Cross blood drive April 1 at North Platte Community College. 

More than 1.7 million new cases of cancer are expected to be diagnosed in the U.S. this year, according to the American Cancer Society. 

"Cancer patients may need blood products during chemotherapy or surgery or treatment for complications," said Amanda Wehnes, donor recruitment account manager for the American Red Cross Midwest Region. "Blood is a lifesaving gift most healthy people can give." 

All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. 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.

The NPCC blood drive is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. in the concessions area outside NPCC's McDonald-Belton Gymnasium. 

Masks will be required inside the building, and a blood donor card or driver's license or two other forms of identification will be requested at check-in. Donors are encouraged to make appointments ahead of time for social distancing purposes. 

Appointments can be made by downloading the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enabling the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device. 

Completion of a RapidPass® online health history questionnaire is encouraged to help speed up the donation process. Instructions are available at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass and through the Blood Donor App.