Help save lives at the Waterloo Fire and Rescue Blood Drive during emergency blood shortage
Remember Sept. 11 by donating blood
Waterloo, Iowa (Aug.13, 2018) – To commemorate the 17th anniversary remembrance of 9/11 in honor of victims and those who rose up in service that day, the American Red Cross and Waterloo Fire and Rescue are hosting a special blood drive. Give blood Tuesday, Sept. 11 from noon to 6:00 p.m. at the Waterloo Fire and Rescue Headquarters, 425 E. Third St., in Waterloo.
“On this anniversary, we will never forget the heroes and victims lost to the terrorist attack in New York City on 9/11,” said Battalion Chief Mike Moore, Waterloo Fire and Rescue. “It is fitting, therefore, that we host and participate in the American Red Cross blood drive. Giving blood is a simple way to honor those heroes and put Waterloo’s spirit of service into action.”
“Hosting this blood drive is a wonderful way to honor our first responders and help patients in need,” said Judi Faas, account manager for the Red Cross Heart of Badger-Hawkeye Blood Services Region. “We are hopeful to collect 76 lifesaving donations at this blood drive and we know this event will be remembered in many hearts for years to come.”
The Red Cross urges those who have never given blood before, as well as those who have not given recently – to make an appointment and help sustain a sufficient community blood supply. Cancer patients, trauma victims, surgery patients and others continue to need lifesaving blood and they are relying on the generosity of volunteer donors to help give them hope. Blood donors of all types are needed. There is no substitute for donated blood products.
Those who come out to give blood or platelets Sept. 1-30 will receive a coupon for a free haircut via email several days after their donation. The coupon is valid through Nov. 30, 2018, at participating Sport Clips locations. Donors must have a valid email address on record to receive the coupon. All participating donors will also receive a coupon from Casey’s for a slice of pizza and a 32-ounce fountain drink. A special thanks to NRG Radio for helping to promote this lifesaving event.
How to donate blood
Simply download the 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 (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.
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, from a computer or mobile device. 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.