Find a Blood Drive
Find a Blood Drive
DUNMORE, PA.— The Dunmore community is invited to support patients battling cancer and other illnesses by giving blood at the first “Jack Attack” blood drive on Saturday, March 7 from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Dunmore Community Center, 1414 Monroe Ave.
The blood drive is held in honor of Jack Callahan, who was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia two weeks before his first birthday. Multiple blood and platelet transfusions helped Jack battle through four rounds of chemotherapy during a 116-day hospital stay.
Today, Jack is in remission and, according to his mom Molly Callahan, “is a very happy kid who loves ‘Sesame Street,’ being outside and dancing.” He will turn 2 years old on March 8.
Heroes of all blood types, especially type O, are urgently needed to provide hope and help for patients in Northeastern Pennsylvania. To schedule an appointment to donate, download the free 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 and enter sponsor code Jack Attack.
As a special thank you, presenting donors will receive a free St. Patrick’s Day themed Red Cross T-shirt, while supplies last.
“Jack is just one of many brave kids who have battled cancer in our area. He and many others depend on blood donations,” said Callahan.
She cites the “incredible outpouring of support” during Jack’s battle with cancer as a motivation for organizing the blood drive.
“We have been working to give back in any way possible to the people who did so much for us,” she said. “Donating blood is one of the easiest things we can do because it literally saves lives.”
The Red Cross and American Cancer Society are partnering to encourage people across the county to Give Blood to Give Time in order to help patients, like Jack, have the strength and support they need to fight cancer. Patients fighting cancer need more blood than patients fighting any other disease, using nearly one-quarter of the nation’s blood supply. Individuals can honor their loved ones by making a blood donation appointment or financial gift at GiveBloodToGiveTime.org.
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.
About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% 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.