Find a Blood Drive
Find a Blood Drive
BROOKINGS, S.D. — A Nov. 30 American Red Cross blood drive provides an opportunity for the community to show their support for Jennifer Moser, an art teacher at Medary and Hillcrest Elementary Schools, and help save the lives of others in need of blood transfusions.
Moser was critically injured Sept. 2 in a head-on car collision. The crash left her with life-threatening injuries including a dislocated elbow, feet and toes; a lacerated liver; internal bleeding; and fractures to her vertebrae, ribs, pelvis, femur and tibia.
After being airlifted to the hospital, Moser was immediately taken into surgery to control internal bleeding and repair her lacerated liver. She has undergone nine surgeries and received more than 10 units of blood. To pay it forward and help build awareness of the constant need for blood, family and friends are hosting a blood drive in honor of this strong woman.
“Before Jen’s accident, we didn’t completely understand the importance of blood donation,” said her husband, Trevor. “Without lifesaving blood, her condition might have been very different. Donating blood in Jen’s honor is a wonderful way to pay it forward and help ensure that blood will be available when it is needed.”
Donate Blood in Honor of Jennifer Moser
Wednesday, Nov. 30
Noon-6 p.m.
United Church of Christ
828 8th St. S
To make an appointment to donate, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) and use sponsor code Brookings UCC.
“Every two seconds, a patient in the U.S. needs a blood transfusion,” said Sue Thesenga, communications manager for the Red Cross North Central Blood Services Region. “You never know when you or a member of your family will need a lifesaving blood transfusion. The simple act of donating blood can help families spend more time with their loved ones.”
Blood products can help many different patients including accident and burn victims, heart surgery patients, organ transplant patients, and those receiving treatment for leukemia, cancer, sickle cell disease.
Right now, blood donations are being distributed to hospitals as quickly as they come in. Donors of all blood types are needed to help ensure a sufficient supply for patients.
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.
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