Find a Blood Drive
Find a Blood Drive
Red Cross issues an emergency call for blood donations during severe winter blood shortage
OREGON CITY, Ore. (Jan. 17, 2017) – The American Red Cross has a severe winter blood shortage and has issued an emergency call for blood donors. Eligible donors are asked to help save lives by giving blood at the Tyrone S. Woods Wrestling Foundation Memorial Blood Drive Saturday, Jan. 28, from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Willamette Falls Community Center, 519-15th St.
Woods was born in Portland and spent his childhood years in Long Creek and Oregon City. On Sept. 12, 2012, Tyrone S. Woods Sr. and his brother-in-arms U.S. Navy SEAL Glen Doherty, both champion high school wrestlers, perished while courageously defending the lives of 30 staff personnel at the U.S. Diplomatic Mission and CIA Annex in Benghazi, Libya.
As Woods’ sport of choice, wrestling provided an outlet for his determination, athletic strength, never-quit attitude and competitive spirit. It also required commitment to academics, which helped keep his focus on the goal of graduating.
“We started the Foundation in Tyrone’s name because he was a state champion wrestler in 1989,” said Cheryl Bennett, Woods’ mother and dedicated blood donor. “During a visit to the Oregon City High School, Tyrone said to the students, ‘I’m not here to talk about being a U.S. Navy SEAL. I’m here to talk about the influence that school, education and being on the wrestling team had on making me the man that I am today. You need to find your passion and then get out there and do it.’”
With a goal of collecting 50 donations, Bennett encourages the community to respond to the emergency need by giving at the blood drive in Woods’ honor. Hectic holiday schedules for many regular blood donors contributed to about 37,000 fewer donations in November and December than what was needed. The recent winter storm has compounded the blood shortage.
“It doesn’t cost anything to do this great deed of donating blood,” said Bennett. “You are doing something selfless and beneficial for humanity and all you have to do is give an hour of your time. There is just no downside to donating blood. None!”
To make an appointment to donate at the Tyrone S. Woods Wrestling Foundation Memorial Blood Drive, use the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS.
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 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 the Tyrone Snowden Woods Wrestling Foundation
As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, Tyrone Snowden Woods Wrestling Foundation provides financial, educational, and charitable support to Oregon high school wrestlers and wrestling programs, eventually expanding to have a national presence. As reflected by the Foundation motto, “Preparing the Youth of Today for the Challenges of Tomorrow,” Tyrone’s inspirational spirit will be the spark to encourage young athletes to achieve their own personal success both on and off the mat. Donations are appreciated and can be sent to TSWWF, PO Box 297, Oregon City, OR 97045. For more information, please call Roger Rolen at 503.970.0348, visit the Foundation’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/tyrone.s.woods.wrestling.foundation or website at www.tyronewoodswrestlingfoundation.org.
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