Be part of Carthage College's 10 year tradition of helping to save lives with the Red Cross

Carthage College invites students, staff, faculty and the community to give blood to help save lives. This year marks Carthage College’s 20th blood drive on campus. Over the last ten years more than 720 pints of blood have been collected.

At 12:30 p.m. the Red Cross will join Carthage College for a ribbon cutting ceremony celebrating the opening of Nursing Learning Laboratories at Lentz Hall. Participants and visitors are welcome to tour the new space with nursing faculty members and students.

Carthage College’s recently launched nursing program, with the addition of the state-of-the-art simulation and skills laboratories, comprehensively prepares students as entry-level nursing generalists. The two new laboratories provide hands on experience for students to prepare for their careers - while sharing the Red Cross value – helping others in need. 

"I'm so very grateful to the College for its investment in the future of nursing education in Kenosha”, said Professor Frank Hicks, director of Carthage nursing program. ”The Nursing Department is committed to educating nurses who will contribute to improving health for the people of Kenosha and throughout the State of Wisconsin.  It is fitting, therefore, that we host the American Red Cross and participate in this blood drive because of the benefit it will have well beyond Carthage's walls."  

Blood and platelet donations are critically needed so that patients can continue to receive lifesaving treatments,” said Hannah Erdman, donor recruitment account manager for the American Red Cross Badger-Hawkeye Blood Services Region. “We encourage donors to invite a family member or friend to donate with them to help meet patient needs. Giving blood is a simple way to put Kenosha’s spirit of service into action and help save lives.”

The need for blood is constant. On average, the Red Cross must collect about 14,000 pints of blood every day to meet the needs of patients in Wisconsin and across the country. Donors with all blood types are currently needed.

Blood and platelets are needed for many different reasons. Accident and burn victims, heart surgery patients, organ transplant patients, and those receiving treatment for leukemia, cancer or sickle cell disease may all need blood.

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 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.

About Carthage College:

Carthage College combines an environment of reflection and self-discovery with a culture of high expectation so that our students uncover and ignite their true potential. A four-year, private liberal arts college with roots in the Lutheran tradition, the campus has a prime location in Kenosha, Wisconsin. The campus, an 80-acre arboretum on the shore of Lake Michigan, is home to 150 scholars, 2,600 full-time students, and 400 part-time students.