Find a Blood Drive
Find a Blood Drive
NORTH VERNON, Ind. (March 27, 2019) — The community is invited to give blood in honor of Jonah Kreutzjans and JP Morris at a special American Red Cross blood drive Tuesday, April 16, from 2 to 7 p.m. at Sand Creek Elementary School in North Vernon.
Jonah, age 8, and John Paul “JP” Morris, age 5, are both energetic boys who love playing basketball. Jonah, a second grader at Graham Creek Elementary School, was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia, known as ALL, in June 2016. JP, who attends pre-school at St. Mary’s School, was diagnosed with the same disease in February of this year.
Throughout their treatments, Jonah and JP have received blood transfusions on a regular basis and may need more as treatment continues. Their families invite the community to donate blood in their honor.
“Jonah has received many blood products since starting treatment,” said Courtney Kreutzjans, Jonah’s mother. “He always has a smile, even when he doesn’t feel well. We would love for the entire community to participate.”
“JP received a blood transfusion in the first week that he was diagnosed,” said Brad Morris, JP’s father. “We are thankful for those who donate.”
This is the first drive in honor of JP, and the third drive in honor of Jonah. The first two blood drives held in honor of Jonah resulted in 125 blood donations.
“When someone we know is diagnosed with cancer, we often wish there was something we could do to help,” said Donna Watkins, recruitment account manager for the Red Cross. “By giving blood, we can actively help patients who are in need of transfusions to make their treatment possible. Giving blood today can help ensure patients like Jonah and JP get the treatment they need.”
The Red Cross depends on blood donor heroes across the nation to collect enough blood to meet the needs of patients at approximately 2,500 hospitals nationwide. In Indiana alone, the Red Cross needs about 450 donors each day to support patients at 80 hospitals across the state. Donors of all blood types, especially type O, are needed to help those rely on blood products.
Blood drive in honor of Jonah Kreutzjans and JP Morris
Tuesday, April 16, 2019
2 to 7 p.m.
Sand Creek Elementary School
1450 W. County Road 500 North, North Vernon, IN 47265
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 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, from a computer or mobile device. To get started and learn more, visit RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass and follow the instructions on the site.
Volunteers needed
Another way to support the lifesaving mission of the American Red Cross is to become a volunteer transportation specialist and deliver lifesaving blood products to local area hospitals. Volunteer transportation specialists play a very important role in ensuring an ample blood supply for patients in need by transporting blood and blood products. For more information and to apply for a volunteer transportation specialist position, visit rdcrss.org/driver.
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 redross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross. 2019-APL-00452