Blood Donors Needed: Red Cross Issues Emergency Ask For Donors



Written by Kimberly Hill, staff contributor

 

The American Red Cross has an emergency need for blood and platelet donors of every type. There is almost half the amount of readily available Red Cross blood now than there was at this point in time last year. Eligible donors with types O positive, O negative, A negative and B negative are encouraged to donate double red cells.

Right now, donations are not keeping pace with the demand for blood products. Many regular donors are busy or traveling and unavailable to give. With schools on vacation and the Fourth of July drawing near, it’s important to remember that patients don’t get a holiday from needing blood. The need is constant.

Many say they don’t give blood because they were never asked. Consider yourself asked! Please donate to help patients in need during this summer blood shortage. For more information or to find a nearby donation opportunity, visit http://www.redcrossblood.org/ or call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

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Gibson Foundation Partners with Red Cross for Rock and Roll Up Your Sleeve

written by Kimberly Hill, staff contributor



American Red Cross blood donors rock! The annual campaign, Rock and Roll Up Your Sleeve, is underway and continues through July 31. This year, the Red Cross is teaming up with the Gibson Foundation in an effort to encourage people to give blood or platelets over the summer. The partnership is one example of the foundation’s efforts to promote health and welfare initiatives.

“We’re delighted to partner with the Red Cross, as they are obviously aligned with our core beliefs and values,” said Dave Berryman, vice president of the Gibson Foundation and president of Gibson Guitar Corp. “Supporting this wonderful program is very exciting to us. Working directly with the Red Cross, we hope to bring in as many donors possible who are ready to ‘rock and roll up their sleeve.’”



During the campaign, presenting donors will receive a chance to win a Gibson guitar, co-branded guitar pick (fixed sites only), and a rock-‘n’-roll-themed T-shirt. As a special incentive for young donors, anyone from 16-21 years old can enter to win a $5,000 scholarship as well.

Such generous giveaways from the Gibson Foundation give people extra incentive to donate during the summer, a time when the blood supply often drops to low levels.

“We are all only a beat away from being able to help save lives by donating blood or platelets,” said Steffi Tatum Dite, Red Cross marketing director. “I am profoundly grateful for the Gibson Foundation’s support of the Red Cross in our efforts to promote blood and platelet donation. Their generous donation to our summer campaign is generating a lot of excitement within the organization and will be a big hit with donors. I applaud the Gibson Foundation’s commitment to supporting programs and nonprofit organizations that create a brighter outlook for our communities.”

The Gibson Foundation and Red Cross invite you to donate blood or platelets this summer and help save lives. You’ll feel like a rock star — and so will the patients who receive your lifesaving gift.

Blood drives are sometimes added throughout the month, so check http://www.redcrossblood.com/ for updates. The Dallas-area donation center, located in Farmers Branch at One Medical Parkway, Suite 215, is open Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Friday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., and Saturday from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.
How to donate blood

Call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit www.redcrossblood.org for more information, or to make an appointment. Every blood type is needed to ensure the Red Cross maintains an adequate blood supply. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Donors must have general good health, weigh at least 110 pounds and be at least 17 years old (16 with a completed Parental Consent Form). Many donors are eligible to give blood every 56 days.

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Blood Services Volunteer Driver David Kasten: More than 1,000 Hours and Countless Miles of Selflessness

Written by Linh Le, staff contributor

American Red Cross Blood Services staff member Lynn Burdick shares a laugh with devoted volunteer David Kasten after one of his many shifts of transporting blood to those in need.

For the past two years, David Kasten, 79, has volunteered as a transport driver for the American Red Cross to help deliver blood to patients in need. Sometimes he takes long-distance routes, which can keep him on the road for up to eight hours. To David, volunteering is a way to maintain an active lifestyle while helping the community.

“By volunteering, I get the opportunity to meet new people and travel to Tyler or Bryan, Texas,” Kasten said. “It makes me feel good to know that I am helping patients. I’m looking forward to another 1,000 hours and many more of volunteering.”

In addition, after working more than 50 years as a civil engineer, he is still active in professional organizations, including the American Society of Civil Engineers, National Society of Professional Engineers and Institute of Transportation Engineers. In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with family, reading and cheering on the Texas Rangers.

“Kasten is representative of those volunteers who dedicate time but aren't always visible, as they quietly go about delivering blood or assisting at blood drives on a daily basis, but their contribution is significant to the Red Cross as they help patients in need every day,” said Lynn Burdick, Red Cross volunteer coordinator.

We thank David for his tireless dedication to the American Red Cross Blood Services mission. After over 1,000 hours of volunteer driving, we’re sure he’s worn down the tread on some tires but his spirit of enthusiasm and service will make it a long time before he wears out himself!

Information about volunteer opportunities with the Red Cross Blood Services is available at www.redcrossblood.org/volunteer.

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Celebrating our Youth in Action: Meet Red Cross Blood Services Volunteer Angel Diaz

Written by Linh Le, staff contributor

American Red Cross donor recruitment representative Shiela Winans  with Red Cross volunteer Angel Diaz at the Middle College High School blood drive.

Angel Diaz, age 18, knew that if he wanted college and career opportunities he would have to take matters into his own hands. In the coming weeks, Angel will be the first member of his family to graduate high school. Not only will he receive his high school diploma and be class valedictorian, Angel will also receive recognition for obtaining an Associates of Science and Associates of Arts.

In addition to his educational achievements, Angel is an American Red Cross blood drive coordinator volunteer.

“At Middle College High School, we are more focused on academics. I thought a blood drive was a great way to bring solidarity and help out the community at the same time.”

Angel and his friends coordinated the blood drive in every way, from securing rooms to recruiting fellow students to donate blood.

“You could see that the blood drive helped increase morale. We did a great job and exceeded our goal! It was a great way to bring everyone together.”

When he isn’t coordinating blood drives, studying or working, Angel also volunteers at Methodist Hospital in Dallas, where he has logged more than 300 volunteer hours. He said volunteering in the emergency room of the hospital made him realize how important it is to donate blood.

“Patients shouldn’t suffer because there isn’t compatible blood. Initially, I was scared to donate – who isn’t – but after spending time in the emergency room, I know how important is it to donate blood so it’s there for patients when they need it.”

Initially Angel started volunteering to meet people and build his resume for college, but now volunteering is something that he loves.

“Whether I am helping the Red Cross or at the hospital, it makes me feel good to know that I am making a difference.”

This fall, Angel will be attending the University of Denver where he received a full scholarship.

To learn how you can coordinate a blood drive, please visit http://www.redcrossblood.org/hosting-blood-drive.

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The Power of One: Blood Services

By American Red Cross volunteer Joanna Jordan



Roger Warner, 64, has donated over 23 gallons of blood to the Red Cross. He started donating in the late 1970s when a friend with a cancer diagnosis needed blood.


“I thought it would be nice to do,” he says.

And it was. In fact, cancer patients who are going through chemotherapy treatment sometimes need blood as often as once a day. And without people like Roger, they wouldn’t be able to get their required transfusions.

Cancer patients aren’t the only people who find themselves in need of a blood transfusion. Someone in the United States — including car accident victims, newborns, sickle cell patients and so many others —needs blood every two seconds.

Roger says he’s happy to help provide blood for anyone who needs it.

“If one pint can maybe save three lives, that’s great. I think it’s good to do. If you’re physically able to do it, why not?” says Roger.

The Red Cross provides 40 percent of the nation’s blood supply, and not without the donations of generous people like you. January is National Blood Month, so there’s no better time to do your part. Donate today!

Find out how to donate blood at http://www.redcrossblood.org/.

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National Blood Donor Month Spotlight: Give Blood For Less Than an Hour and Save Three Lives

By Catherine Carlton, volunteer



Alison Cook is a healthy and vital part of our Blood Services department today thanks to life-saving blood transfusions.

Commitment to the hospitals! That’s what Alison Cook says is part of her job.


As the donor recruitment supervisor for the American Red Cross blood supply team, Alison is in charge of raising awareness to organize blood drives and delivering the message to area hospitals everyday if there is going to be enough blood.

“We commit blood to hospitals in the area, and they are counting on us,” she said.

The Red Cross counts on YOU to help deliver that promise.

The Red Cross is the primary supplier of the Methodist and Baylor hospitals in Dallas and provides portions of the blood supply to several other area hospitals. The American Red Cross provides 40 percent of the nation's blood supply.

Alison can tell you what happens from there first-hand. Well, what she can remember of it. The human body holds 12-14 units of blood. After a terrible car accident at the age of 18, Alison received 25 units of blood during the many surgeries, medically induced coma and recovery time she worked through at the hospital.

As a donor, you can give one of those life-saving units every 56 days.

“Everyone knows blood is needed. What they don’t consider is who will make that choice, if they don’t?” she said. “Once you start asking for donations and talking to donors, it’s great because you ask the question: ‘Do you know someone who has received blood?’ They do, but they don’t make that connection right off the bat.”

Every two seconds someone needs a blood transfusion. That’s someone’s family member, friend or loved one needing something you can provide for free in a little less than an hour.

One donation can help three patients because blood labs break whole blood into three separate parts. For example, your red blood cells can go to a trauma victim; your plasma can go to a burn victim; and your cryoprecipitate can help someone fighting cancer.

That’s why Alison says she wants people to feel that committment. It’s a day-to-day challenge to meet the hospitals' blood supply needs. If we were in the same position with water or gasoline shortages in our cars, everyone would be lining up to fix this issue. But despite coordinating on average 350 blood drives a month, there is a alwys a greater need we need to fill.

In Alison’s honor, her community hosted three blood drives. That’s 300 units of blood. That is paying it forward to help 900 people.

There is no cost to host a blood drive. The Red Cross will bring everything you need. So talk to your office, your networking group, your favorite nonprofit, your neighborhood, and help relieve Alison’s committment for a day. Don’t think your group is big enough, she’ll help partner your group with another one that is. You can visit redcrossblood.org to learn more about this opportunity. January is National Blood Month and there is no better time pay it forward with the gift of life!

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Give the Perfect Gift. Get Cookies!

Join Santa this Holiday Season and Give the Perfect Gift

Imagine a gift that doesn’t cost you a penny. No coupons, special deals, shipping fees or crowded shopping areas are needed for its purchase. What if the gift that costs you nothing is really the “Perfect Gift”…the gift of life!

Forget about the door buster deals and steals. The Red Cross has the best deal yet – 3 for 1! You can help save up to three lives with one blood donation.

The holidays are one of the toughest times to collect blood but YOU can make a difference. If only 10 percent of the U.S. population donated blood this holiday season, up to 34.2 millions lives would be saved.

This season give more time – time with loved ones, time to create memories and time to laugh. Put away your credit card (unless you're making a purchase from the Red Cross Holiday Giving Catalog at www.redcross.org/gifts) and roll up your sleeve to give a gift that truly matters – the gift of life.

No matter if you’ve been naughty or nice, we’ll be sure to have cookies waiting for you when you come to donate.

To schedule an appointment to donate or find a blood drive near you, visit www.redcrossblood.org. When you're done, take a look at this quick video that's sure to have you laughing! From all of us at the American Red Cross, we wish you a safe and happy holiday season!

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Local high school students and faculty donate more than 100 units of blood

Students filled the high school hallway waiting patiently for their chance to make an impact in the community. Despite long lines, Garland High School (GHS) students and faculty rallied on Halloween to help answer the need for blood. More than 100 GHS students and faculty members came to donate 144 units of blood. Each unit of blood collected can help save up to three lives.

For most students, they look at donating as a rite of passage to adulthood as the legal age to donate in Texas without parental consent is 17. Whatever their inspiration may be to donate, students and faculty members left with feeling as though they made a difference. And they did! It is only with their kind donation that the Red Cross is able to provide blood to patients in need.

Thank you to the GHS family and their Health Occupation Students of America student organization for being an inspiring leader in the community!

To learn how your organization can host a blood drive or to donate, please visit http://www.redcrossblood.org/.

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So You Mean They’re Kinda Like Vampires Mommy?

Guest blog post by Allie with ScrewedUpTexan.com

Last Saturday, my husband and I decided we’d give blood at our church while the Red Cross was running a blood drive. Now I hadn’t given blood since my senior year in high school and to be honest with you I was nervous because in high school I remember being told I had passed out and I had scared the folks running the drive. So for me to actually go to the blood drive and donate again last weekend was an accomplishment in itself.

If you’ve never given blood or it’s been a long time since you last did, you’ll be happy to know that the process is very easy and simple. Basically, you sign in, answer a bunch of questions, get your finger pricked, answer a bunch more questions, and then wait your turn to have your arm stabbed by a big needle. Okay. Fine. The needle ain’t that big, but my mind tends to over exaggerate things like any good Southerner’s would. You know, like a really good gossip story.

We took our kids with us to the church so we could show them what we were doing and why we were doing it. When it was my turn to donate blood, I called my kids over and told them, “Come over here and give me a hug before I die!” Only two of the three did so. My youngest asked me:

“Mommy, what are they going to do with you?”

Me: “Oh, they’re just gonna take a little bit of my blood to give to someone else that needs it.”

Him: “How do they do that?”

Me: “Well, they stick a needle in your arm and then the Red Cross sucks it into a baggie.”

Him: “So, you mean they’re kinda like vampires, Mommy?”

Me: “Exactly.”

And then he ran off not to be seen again until he saw me eating the snacks for the donors. So I gave him a nutter butter bar.

Then I went home and passed out for an hour.

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How you can help save lives

Every two seconds someone in the U.S. needs blood. Blood is the only product that cannot be manufactured and can only be donated. When I go visit blood drives, I am often fascinated by stories of what motivates donors to give the gift of life. Many times the response is simple, “Why not?” Then, there is the thought of paying it forward – if I donate blood, when I need it someone else will donate to help me. Others like 23 gallon donor, Roger Warner decided to start giving to honor another. In Mr. Warner’s case he began donating to honor of a friend diagnosed with cancer. No matter the motivation, each gift of life is greatly appreciated.

Texas Red Cross supervisor, Alison Cook, shares her story of how blood donations saved her life.

“At the age of only 18, I received 25 units of blood following a car accident that led to seven months of hospitalizations. I’m so appreciative of the people who made that voluntary decision to give. Donating blood really taps into what each of us believes about living. It tells us something about what version of life we are choosing for ourselves and what version we believe someone else deserves. So many people are looking for that connection, wanting to be a little bit more engaged with things that matter and are permanent. Donating blood makes you that person.”

One blood donation can save up to three lives. Present to donate at any Red Cross blood drive in Texas by Friday, September 30 and you will be entered into a drawing for a $100 Visa gift card. To schedule an appointment or find a drive near you, visit www.redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-REDCROSS.

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It’s Hard to Keep a Good Man Down

At age 98, the nation’s oldest American Red Cross blood donor continues saving lives.

In the last 100 years, the world has seen a man walk on the moon, two world wars transpire, the formation of the United Nations and the introduction of LifeSavers candy. While these historical benchmarks are well publicized, another significant event of a “true lifesaver” deserves honor and recognition.

On February 17, 1913, Willard M. Hayne, the nation’s oldest American Red Cross blood donor, was born in Gresham, Oregon. Currently 98 years old, Willard began donating in 1949, just one year after Dr. Carl Walter, a trained surgeon, developed a plastic bag for the collection of blood in place of glass bottles.

“Any chance I can encourage people to donate, I will,” Willard exclaimed. Even later in life, when blood donor regulations limited the upper age limit, Willard returned as a regular donor once the limitation was lifted.

Willard has successfully donated 138 units, eight of which occurred in the last 24 months. Not content to stop at 138 donations, Willard last attempted to give blood in August 2011 and will make another attempt on September 22nd in the Coos Bay area, where he’s been retired (and donating) for the last 18 years.

Willard comes from a history of gratitude and hard work, which is instrumental in his philosophy of blood donation. After retiring from the banking industry, Willard states that he “started from the bottom as a bookkeeper and worked my way up to manager.” He finished his career as bank manager at First National Bank of Oregon in Silverton, which is now a Wells Fargo.

Passing on his donation practice to those around him, Willard has instilled the habit of giving blood in his three children, including a son who has provided directed donations in Minnesota due to his rare blood type. Now that Willard is retired, he’s found friends in fellow blood donors in his retirement community. “I feel grateful that I’m healthy enough to donate. It’s been a blessing to me.”

Beyond donating blood, Willard has also made financial donations to the Red Cross after witnessing how the organization provided emergency services during disasters like earthquakes and tsunamis. Although Willard has lived an incredible life of generosity, he is humble when informed of his status as the nation’s oldest American Red Cross blood donor.

“It feels so good to be honored as a donor. I’ve never expected anything in return. You hear about people who need blood and just being able to donate is a gift enough.”

Blood Supply in Texas is in Critical Condition

After months of scorching temperatures, followed by wildfires and hurricanes, the blood supply in Texas is at a critical low. The American Red Cross urges immediate blood donations. Learn more about the immediate need and how you can help save a life.

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Vigilantes Donate to Blood Donors

The Dallas Vigilantes want to thank American Red Cross blood donors for helping keep area hospital shelves supplied this summer. The Lone Star State’s Arena Football League entry knows the importance of having a good backup if one of its players goes down as it is for hospitals to have blood on hand at all times. The Vigilantes are giving complimentary tickets to their regular season closer, Saturday, July 23, at the American Airlines Center against their conference rival Arizona Rattlers.

“The Dallas Vigilante’s are happy to be partnering with the Red Cross with this ticket giveaway,” said Jim Tolbert, Sports Marketing Consultant, PCI. “Come enjoy the game on the 23rd and save a life. That’s a winning combination.”

Tickets will be given away at select locations. Individuals can call 1-800-RED CROSS to find participating Red Cross donor centers or blood drives.

“The Vigilantes have been kind enough to provide enough tickets so that 1,000 donors can get a voucher for two seats at the 2011 closer,” said Alison Cook, American Red Cross. “Arena football is a high-scoring event, fun for the whole family. And indoors where it’s cool. This game could be a preview of the two teams’ meeting in the playoffs and we thank them for sharing.”

While blood is needed year-round it is needed especially in the summer, with schools out, people on vacation or the weather being too hot for some to donate. With the beginning of summer vacations, the supply of type O negative blood at the Red Cross has dropped significantly. A decline in blood donations is typical during the summer as donors become busy with seasonal activities and overlook donating blood. For this reason, it is important for eligible donors with blood type O negative to make and keep appointments to give blood this summer. Donors may subscribe to Red Cross texting by sending redcross to 42227 or registering online at redcrossblood.org.

How to Donate Blood:

Call 1-800-RED CROSS or log on to www.redcrossblood.org for more information or to schedule a blood donation appointment. All blood types are needed to ensure the Red Cross maintains an adequate blood supply. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Donors must be in general good health, weigh at least 110 pounds and be at least 17 years old (16 with completed Parental Consent Form). New height and weight restrictions apply to donors younger than 19. Visit redcrossblood.org to learn more.

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World Blood Donor Day is June 14th - "Celebrating the gift of Blood"

Supermodel Niki Taylor, a Red Cross volunteer and blood recipient

In 2011 alone, nearly 6 million people across America may require a blood transfusion. With no substitute for human blood, those in need rely on the kindness of donors. Through their generous actions, these blood donors prove how one person can make a difference in the lives of many, as one blood donation can help save more than one life.

To raise awareness about this critical issue, American Red Cross Blood Services is partnering with Nexcare™ Bandages on the third-annual Nexcare give Program. This nationwide initiative thanks blood donors and encourages others to give. The campaign kicks off June 14, 2011, World Blood Donor Day, and runs through the end of the month at Red Cross blood drives and donor centers across the country. During this campaign, Nexcare is providing, for free, a limited-edition collection of five fashion bandages emblazoned with the word give to demonstrate how doing good looks good too.

Supermodel Niki Taylor, a Red Cross volunteer and blood recipient, is serving as the face and voice of this year’s campaign. She credits her survival to the donors and doctors who helped save her life.

“As someone who owes her life to donors who gave blood to help someone they didn’t even know, I think giving blood is a critical community service that cannot be overlooked. Currently, however, only about eight percent of those who can give do so each year,” said Niki Taylor. “Through the Red Cross and Nexcare give program, I hope to educate people about the impact each person can have, and help them realize that helping to save a life is always in style.”

The Red Cross must collect 22,000 units of blood each weekday, and another 15,000 each weekend in order to help save the lives of patients like Niki.

Please give today.

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Blood Products Shipped to Alabama

Tornadoes and floods have devastated communities and uprooted families across many states, and the Red Cross is working to provide materials, equipment and blood products to areas hardest hit.

The Red Cross is moving hundreds of blood products to Alabama to make sure hospital patients have the blood they need following the deadly tornadoes there on Wednesday night.

This severe weather has caused the cancellation of 811 blood and platelet donations this week, mostly in the Southeast, South Central and Mid-Atlantic areas.

Maintaining sufficient blood to meet patient needs is a delicate balance between supply and demand. The Red Cross urges eligible donors in unaffected areas to make an appointment to give blood or platelets in the coming days and weeks.

All blood types are needed, but type O-negative donors can make the difference between an adequate blood supply and a shortage.

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Meet John Donor

John L. Billimek, Major Gifts Officer

American Red Cross-Dallas Area Chapter

The following email was sent by an employee at the Dallas Area Chapter in an attempt to inspire his colleagues to give blood this month. We were so touched by this unsolicited and heartfelt appeal. So much so, that we wanted America to know the type of people who serve at the American Red Cross. And we hope you’ll follow John’s extraordinary example and become a blood donor champion.

“I have not had an opportunity to meet most of you receiving this e-mail. Nonetheless, I wanted to encourage to you give blood this month if you can. Because of the really awful weather, we’ve had to cancel some 800 blood drives in our region.

While I have always viewed donating blood as something very small I could do to impact others, I gained a new perspective of blood donations over the last year…

My father lost his life to cancer last July. Prior to this he received three blood product donations which served to extend his life by several months. In that time, he was able to see all of his grandchildren one more time, even getting to watch his oldest granddaughter play soccer (a sport which he followed closely with all his granddaughters). He got to see those things because someone donated blood.

Also, my wife’s father received a heart transplant last fall and I know that donated blood was used during his multi-hour surgery. He is with us today because someone donated blood.

As a part of Recovery 2011, a national appeal during the month of February to recover the units of blood lost due to weather. As someone whose life has been impacted by blood donors I would encourage you to donate if you are able. If you are not, perhaps you can encourage someone to donate. You can sign up by going to www.redcrossblood.org.

I think sometimes it’s hard for others to relate to giving blood because they (thankfully) have never had someone close to them who was on the receiving end of a blood donation. In my “short” 42 years I’ve had it happen twice in the span of six months and because of that I plan to be a blood donor champion the rest of my life. It’s the best way I know how to express my gratitude for those who gave to help my family.

Thank you for reading this e-mail and considering giving the gift of life to someone else.”

Gratefully,
John L. Billimek
Major Gifts Officer
American Red Cross-Dallas Area Chapter

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Red Cross Launches Emergency Appeal for Money and Blood

The recent winter storms in North Texas have taken their toll. In a short four day period, the American Red Cross-Dallas Area Chapter responded to 18 residential structure fires, opened four shelters, one warming center and delivered supplies by the hundreds to the Greyhound bus station. When the sun finally broke through, the loss to the organization was apparent. More than $22,000, nearly half of the monthly budget for disaster assistance at the Dallas chapter, was distributed in four days. And a shocking total of 155 people found themselves depending on the Red Cross for help.

While the volunteers in disaster services were busy responding to dire needs from home and apartment fires, the polar opposite was happening in the Red Cross Blood Services unit. Due to unsafe roadways, blood drives in Dallas/Fort Worth were cancelled for an unprecedented four days. That, combined with the catastrophic winter weather nation-wide, has created a state of emergency. In total, the agency is down by 28,000 pints of blood. A unit of blood can save up to three lives.

In a rare move, the American Red Cross in Dallas, Texas has issued an emergency appeal for financial and blood donations in order to replace the supply that has been deleted.

“We need money to respond to disasters, and we need blood to save lives”, said Cheryl Sutterfield-Jones, chief executive officer, American Red Cross-Dallas Area Chapter. “So we’re urging our community to take action this week. You want your Red Cross to be able to respond on a moment’s notice, and we can only do that with fully stocked shelves in our blood unit and in our disaster relief warehouse”.

To make a financial donation to the American Red Cross, go to www.redcrossdallas.org, text the word REDCROSS to 90999 to donate $10 or call 214-678-4800.

To make a life-saving blood donation, go to www.redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-REDCROSS.

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Red Cross Urges People To Give Blood

Winter storms cause more blood drive cancellations.

January 27, 2011, Dallas, Texas — The latest winter storm on the East Coast is causing more blood drive cancellations and the American Red Cross is urging people in unaffected areas of the country to schedule a blood donation in the coming days.

Earlier this week the Red Cross issued a nationwide appeal for blood donors to boost a dwindling blood supply. Winter weather caused thousands of blood and platelet donations to go uncollected throughout the eastern half of the country. The latest snowfall has worsened the situation, with more blood drives cancelled and a total of about 16,400 blood and platelet donations not collected over the last several weeks. The Red Cross has not seen its blood supply drop this dramatically at this time of year over the past ten years.

Local Blood Centers Extend Hours to Accommodate Blood Donors:

Friday
Dallas Fixed Site:
1 Medical Parkway
Farmer’s Branch
8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Saturday
Dallas Fixed Site:
1 Medical Parkway
Farmer’s Branch
8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Waco Fixed Site:
4224 Cobbs Drive
Waco
8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Wichita Falls Fixed Site:
1809 Fifth Street
Wichita Falls
8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

People across the country have been responding to the call for blood donors, and the Red Cross hopes that support will continue. Despite the weather, patients continue to need blood. After a prolonged drop in blood donations, it takes time to build the blood supply back to an adequate level.

Everyone who is eligible is urged to make an appointment to give blood or platelets in the coming days by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or by visiting www.redcrossblood.org.

Individuals who are 17 years of age, 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. Individuals should bring their Red Cross blood donor card or other form of positive ID when coming to donate.

All blood types are needed, but there is a particular need for people with negative blood types – O-negative, A-negative and B-negative - to give blood now.

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Greg Biffle is our Hero!

Texas Motor Speedway is always an exciting place to be when NASCAR comes to town, but this weekend, it will create an explosion for all of us who love the American Red Cross!

Greg Biffle, driver of the No. 16 car, will sport the world-wide symbol of hope on his firesuit, and the paint scheme of his Ford Fusion will proudly showcase the Red Cross logo! It's really exciting, but there's even more!

On Sunday, the legendary Willie Nelson will play the American Red Cross "Salute to the Troops" pre-race show and LeeAnn Womack, an American Red Cross volunteer, will escort some 150 military troops to the stage so they can be recognized for their sacrafice, heroism and selflessness. Meanwhile...

Local Red Cross volunteers will be out on the Midway at Gate 7 all weekend so stop by and learn how to become a blood donor like Greg Biffle, and while you're there, be sure to sign a holiday greeting card for a member of the United States military as part of the American Red Cross Holiday Mail for Heroes program.

We're very grateful to the 3M Corporation for lending us their space on the No. 16 car so that we can remind people that the American Red Cross needs blood every day, serves military members every day, responds to disasters every 8 minutes, every day. We're in love with Greg Biffle for being a regular blood donor and for going out of his way to support the American Red Cross. It's not something he has to do which makes him even more special to us.

We very much appreciate NASCAR fans, Roush Fenway Racing and all of our American Red Cross supporters! So if you're heading out to Texas Motor Speedway this weekend, stop by and see us. If you're not, consider following the Biff''s lead and text REDCROSS to 90999 to donate $10. See you on pit row!

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What Did You Do Today?

Last Saturday, I headed out for a fun-filled day at the Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas administrative kick off where they launched the new campaign, "What did you do today?"

I wandered around looking at the booths, amazed at all the fantastic opportunities available to young women. At the end of the hallway, I noticed an American Red Cross table. Sheila Winans, a donor recruitment representative for blood services, was busy passing out information and signing people up to donate blood- right there in the middle of Collin County Community College.

Now, that's a great thing to do any day. She reported 22 units of blood had been collected which can help save 66 lives. As you may already know, one single pint can save up to three lives!

Sheila also mentioned the Girl Scouts did a really kind thing. They invited participants to bring food for the Canteen if they were unable to donate blood themselves, since many of the attendees were under 17 years old. The response was so large there were snack items left over which they agreed to donate to the Eagle Scout Blood Drive Project coming up this weekend in Desoto.
"Nice cooperation between those 2 agencies, huh?!" said Sheila. "We don’t usually expect people to bring snacks but the Girl Scouts wanted to be able to include people unable to donate blood to be able to donate something. Really nice."

Sheila and I agree if you are wondering, "What will you do today?" You can go to bloodisneeded.org, type in your zip code and find out where you can give the gift of life.

Disclaimer: While the American Red Cross appreciates the generosity of others and encourages people to donate their time, money and blood, we cannot accept individual food donations unless expressly requested by the organization. For more information on how to get involved, please go to redcrossdallas.org .

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We're in Good Hands

We are pleased to announce that we received a $20,000 grant from The Allstate Foundation to support our local disaster relief efforts.

“We recognize that disasters can happen at any moment and that everyone is vulnerable,” said Joseph McCormick, regional manager, The Allstate Foundation. “Our community must have a safety net in place before disasters strike to make sure families can recovery as quickly as possible and the American Red Cross is that safety net.”

Read the full press release

A big THANK YOU to The Allstate Foundation!

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