Find a Blood Drive
Find a Blood Drive
Dave Jackson strives to help patients while Red Cross has critical need for blood
FOND DU LAC, Wis. — Dave Jackson, of Fond du Lac has now officially donated 35 gallons of blood following his donation to the America Red Cross Badger-Hawkeye Blood Services Region on Dec. 12. Joining students and community members at Oakfield High School, Dave gave the perfect gift and continues to help meet the critical need for blood and platelets during the holiday season.
Jackson was first motivated to give blood when the need hit close to home. Years ago a neighbor had a serious medical condition that required numerous blood transfusions. Jackson says he first donated blood to the Red Cross in November 1965, as a college student, making this year his 51st year as a loyal blood donor. “People don’t realize just how easy it is to give blood and help others,” said Jackson. “It’s simple.”
The Red Cross has a critical need for blood and platelet donations now and throughout the holiday season. The need for blood doesn’t break for the holidays – it’s constant. With many regular donors traveling or busy for the holidays, new and repeat donors are needed to give the perfect gift of a blood or platelet donation.
Blood donors of all types are needed. Those with types O, A negative and B negative blood are encouraged to make a Power Red donation. Power Red donors give a concentrated dose of red blood cells during a single donation, allowing them to maximize their impact.
Donated blood may be used to help accident victims, surgery patients, organ transplant patients, and those receiving treatment for leukemia, cancer or sickle cell disease. There is no substitute for donated blood products.
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.
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