Queer Coalition, Illinois State University’s affinity group for LGBTQIA+ faculty, staff, and graduate students, is partnering with the American Red Cross to help meet hospitals’ urgent need for blood and blood products by sponsoring a blood drive. The drive is Friday, September 27 from 11 a.m.-4p.m., and will be held in the Rosa Parks Room in Watterson Towers. To give blood at this drive, visit RedCrossBlood.org, select “Donate Blood,” then “Schedule an Appointment,” and search for the drive titled “Illinois State University Watterson Towers.” Donors who present to give blood between September 16-30 are eligible to receive a $15 e-gift card sent to their email. Additionally, if the drive meets its goal of 25+ participants, $10 per person will be donated to Illinois State’s LGBTQ+ Student Support Fund.
Donors can save up to 15 minutes and skip the on-site paperwork by filling out their information online using RapidPass the day of their donation. For more information on LGBTQ+ blood donation and the new, more inclusive screening guidelines issued by the FDA, consult RedCrossBlood.org/LGBTQ. Those who need an accommodation to fully participate in this event are invited to contact Queer Coalition Co-President Karmine Beecroft at kbeecro@IllinoisState.edu. Please allow sufficient time to arrange the accommodation. Membership in Queer Coalition is open to all current or former Illinois State faculty, staff, and graduate students, as well as Central Illinois residents.
