Find a Blood Drive
Find a Blood Drive
BLOOMER, Wis. — To help the American Red Cross ensure a sufficient blood supply this summer, Justyce Yohnk, high school senior attending Bloomer High School, is hosting a Leaders Save Lives blood drive on Aug. 31 from 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at Bloomer Middle School. Those who come to donate can enjoy an on-site cookout with baked chicken, potato salad, baked beans, chips and pie, and get a $10 Visa gift card, courtesy of Suburban Propane.
The Leaders Save Lives program encourages community-minded high school and college students to host blood drives to help maintain the blood supply over the summer months. Students who participate as a blood drive coordinator can earn a gift card and are eligible to win a scholarship up to $2,500 for higher education.
Blood donors from high school and college blood drives account for about 20 percent of donations given through the Red Cross during the school year. Many of these blood donors do not give during the summer months when school is not in session and blood shortages can occur.
“Donating blood takes about an hour of your time and could help save up to three lives,” said Justyce Yohnk. “I am really hoping for a great turnout at the blood drive and would like to reach my goal of 122 pints to help with the summer blood shortage. I know how important it is to give blood because my twin brothers received blood transfusions at birth, and they wouldn’t be here today if it wasn’t for the precious lifesaving blood that volunteer blood donors donated!”
The Bloomer community is encouraged to download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to make an appointment to donate using the sponsor code: Bloomer. For more information about the blood drive, contact Justcye Yohnk at 715-933-2406.
How to donate blood
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.
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 visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.
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