Find a Blood Drive
Find a Blood Drive
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (Sept. 17, 2020) – The American Red Cross is once again working with the Missouri State Highway Patrol and friends and family of Corporal Michael E. Webster to host the 26th annual blood drive in his memory Friday, Oct. 2 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Troop A Highway Patrol office in Lee’s Summit, 504 SE Blue Parkway.
Cpl. Webster, a Missouri state trooper, died in October 1993 after being struck by a drunk driver while on duty. He was 33 years old at the time of his death. As a patrolman he was often the very first person on the scene of an accident, so he knew firsthand the importance of blood donations. Beginning with his college days, Cpl. Webster gave blood regularly.
“We are so grateful to be working with the Missouri State Highway Patrol again in honoring the memory of Corporal Webster,” said Joe Zydlo, communications manager, American Red Cross of Missouri-Arkansas. “He and his colleagues dedicate their lives to keeping our highways safe. Corporal Webster also knew how important it was to give back by donating blood to help those involved in accidents. We hope for a great turnout in his memory next month to help patients in need.”
The Red Cross needs donors of all blood types to give blood in support of kids fighting cancer, patients with sickle cell disease and others facing serious illnesses. The Red Cross must collect about 13,000 blood donations every day for patients at about 2,500 hospitals and transfusion centers nationwide. The Red Cross encourages healthy individuals to schedule and keep blood donation appointments in the weeks ahead to ensure a stable supply for patients throughout this coronavirus pandemic. All donors are required to wear a face covering or mask while at the drive, in alignment with new Centers for Disease Control and Prevention public guidance.
Blood drive safety precautions
Each Red Cross blood drive and donation center follows the highest standards of safety and infection control, and additional precautions – including temperature checks, social distancing and face coverings for donors and staff – have been implemented to ensure the health of all those in attendance. Donors are asked to schedule an appointment prior to arriving at the drive and are required to wear a face covering or mask while at the drive, in alignment with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention public guidance.
How to donate blood
Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, schedule online, call 1-800-RED CROSS 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.