Find a Blood Drive
Find a Blood Drive
PAOLI, IN. (Nov. 26, 2018) — The American Red Cross is joining family, friends and the Paoli Fire Station 14 in hosting a special blood drive in memory of Billy Drury who died April 26, 2017. The community is invited to take part in this lifesaving event Thursday, Dec. 6 from 2 to 7 p.m. at the Paoli Fire Department, 1433 W. Main St. in Paoli.
Billy, a long-time 4-H volunteer, was a devoted son, brother, father, friend, youth advocate and humanitarian who supported many civic causes while working in the trucking and logging industries.
On March 17, 2015, he was involved in a logging accident, sustaining severe head and facial injuries. While in critical condition at UofL Hospital, and after being stabilized, released and on a path to healing, Billy underwent multiple surgeries that required him to receive numerous blood products.
“Hosting a blood drive in memory of Billy Drury with the Paoli Fire Department where one of his sons, Austin, works is a privilege,” said Garry Allison, director of donor recruitment for the River Valley Blood Services Region. “Billy was known for his willingness to help others. By giving blood at this drive, donors are able to help keep his memory alive while helping to ensure blood is available for patients this holiday season.”
The need for blood is constant. Every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood. The Paoli Fire Station Blood Drive in Memory of Billy Drury comes as the Red Cross faces a severe blood shortage. During September and October, the Red Cross collected over 21,000 fewer blood and platelet donations than what hospitals needed – largely due to less groups signing up to host blood drives and worsened by widespread blood drive cancellations caused by hurricanes Florence and Michael.
Blood donors of all blood types, especially type O, are urgently needed to give now to avoid delays in lifesaving medical care for patients. Volunteer blood drive hosts are also critically needed to stop the shortage from continuing throughout winter.
As a special thank you, those who come out to give will receive a $5 Amazon.com Gift Card* via email. (Donors must have a valid email address on file to receive their reward. Visit rcblood.org/GiftCard for restrictions, terms and conditions.*)
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 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, from a computer or mobile device. 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.