EDINA, Mo.— For the sixth consecutive year the American Red Cross and the Edina Christian Church are teaming up with family and friends of Randy Gossman to host a blood drive in his memory on July 10 from 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the Knox Community Center.
Being a part of the Red Cross was a lifelong commitment for Randy. As a blood donor, he gave more than 20 gallons to help patients in need.
Before his death in 2010, Randy devoted his life to his community. He was a deacon and church board member at the Edina Christian Church, a member of the Knox County Chamber of Commerce and a local business owner.
Donate Blood in Memory of Randy Gossman
Monday, July 10, 11:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Knox County Community Center
207 N. 4th Street, Edina, Mo. 63537
Blood donated in memory of Randy Gossman at this drive will help a variety of patients, including accident victims, cancer patients and those undergoing surgery. Every two seconds in the United States blood is needed to respond to patient emergencies, including accident and burn victims, heart surgery and organ transplant patients, and those receiving treatment for leukemia, cancer or sickle cell disease. The Red Cross must collect nearly 14,000 blood and platelet donations every day for the patients at about 2,600 hospitals nationwide.
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) 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 (16 with parental consent in some states), 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 donors can now 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, prior to arriving at the blood drive. To get started and learn more, visit redcrossblood.org/RapidPass and follow the instructions on the site.
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.
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