Find a Blood Drive
Find a Blood Drive
FAIRFIELD, N.J. (June 14, 2018) — The American Red Cross invites the community to give blood of memory of Paula Lawrence during a Communities That Care blood drive on Saturday, June 23 at the Northern New Jersey Blood Donor Center, 209 Fairfield Road, Fairfield, New Jersey. Appointments are available between 7 a.m.-2 p.m. To schedule an appointment to donate, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-REDCROSS.
The drive honors the memory of Paula Lawrence, who received frequent transfusions as treatment for sickle cell anemia, an inherited disease is an inherited disease that causes red blood cells to form an abnormal crescent shape. Regular blood transfusions are one of the most common treatments for sickle cell disease.
Paula’s family is hosting the June 23 drive to help ensure that lifesaving blood is available for patients who need it and to educate the public about sickle cell disease and the importance of continuing research.
“Paula was a beautiful, confident and passionate mom, daughter, sister and friend,” shared her twin brother, Paul Lawrence. “She had a great sense of humor and an eye for fashion. She also appreciated a good book and a deep belly laugh. Paula passed these traits on to her son James and nieces Naomi and Nichole. The strength she tapped into as she dealt with the many sickle cell crises has motivated all of us to go out and provide these lifesaving blood donations.”
Sickle Cell is the most common genetic blood disease in the U.S., affecting as many as 100,000 people, most of them African-American and Latino. A diverse blood supply is important to ensure the needs of all patients are met. Red blood cells carry markers that determine one’s blood type, and some blood types are unique to certain racial and ethnic groups. Because blood from donors of the same ethnic background as the recipient is less likely to cause complications, the American Red Cross must maintain a diverse blood supply to meet these diverse patient needs.
This blood drive comes as the Red Cross is urging individuals to help ensure blood is never missing from hospital shelves by donating blood or platelets through the Missing Types campaign. The goal of Missing Types is to inspire new blood donors and those who haven’t given in a while to give this summer and become a regular blood donor for patients in need in the years to come. For the past four years, new Red Cross blood donors have declined by about 80,000 each year. More blood donors are needed now to fill the gaps.
How to donate blood
Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) 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 must 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.
About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit RedCross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.