Find a Blood Drive
Find a Blood Drive
CHATHAM, N.J.— Five years ago, sixth grader Michael DiMaggio was struck by a car while walking home from school. Seven blood transfusions in the first 72 hours, followed by multiple surgeries, helped save his life.
Even while Michael was still in hospital, a group of Chatham moms, along with Michael’s mom Nicole, organized an American Red Cross blood drive in his honor. Since then, the Stay Strong Michael blood drive has collected 417 pints of blood, which has helped up to 1,251 patients.
Donors are invited to join Michael, now age 16, Nicole and the group of moms – Michelle Clark, Melissa Fitzgerald, Marguerite White and Rosalinda Rubio-Williams – to give blood at the sixth Stay Strong Michael blood drive on Sunday, Dec. 8, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. in the Chatham High School cafeteria, 255 Lafayette Ave., Chatham.
Schedule an appointment to donate
To schedule an appointment to donate blood, download the free Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enable the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device and enter sponsor code Stay Strong Michael.
This blood drive comes as the Red Cross faces an urgent need for blood donors to give now to help avoid delays in lifesaving medical care for patients this winter. Those who come to give blood or platelets now through Dec. 18 will receive a $5 Amazon.com Gift Card via email, courtesy of Suburban Propane. (Restrictions apply; see amazon.com/gc-legal. More information and details are available at RedCrossBlood.org/Thanks.)
How to donate blood
Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enable the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device 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, before arriving at the blood drive. To get started, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Blood Donor App.
About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% 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.