Find a Blood Drive
Find a Blood Drive
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (Feb. 20, 2019) — The community is invited to give blood in memory of Deputy Jacob Pickett at a special American Red Cross blood drive held in his name Saturday, March 2, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Boone County Fairgrounds in Lebanon.
Jacob, known as being a loving husband and father and a friend to all animals, served as a Boone County Sheriff’s Deputy. Tragically, he was killed in the line of duty and died March 5, 2018. As a registered organ and tissue donor, he was able to donate his organs to help others.
Jacob’s family invites the community to give in his memory. “Jacob was selfless, brave and had a passion for life,” said Jennifer Pickett, Jacob’s wife. “We want to see community members and law enforcement supporters giving blood to honor him.”
“There are so many reasons why someone may need blood that we don’t even realize,” said Sandra Ryden, donor recruitment account manager for the Red Cross. “We take for granted that blood will be there at the hospital when we need it, but it can only come from generous volunteer donors. Giving blood in Deputy Pickett’s memory is a wonderful way to honor him and potentially help others.”
The blood drive will be part of a larger event honoring Jacob, including a memorial service and a retirement ceremony for his K-9 partner, Brik, who was with him when he was shot.
Every two seconds in the United States blood is needed to respond to patient emergencies, including accident and burn victims, heart surgery and organ transplant patients, and those receiving treatment for leukemia, cancer or sickle cell disease. The Red Cross must collect more than 13,000 blood and platelet donations every day for the patients at about 2,600 hospitals nationwide, including 80 hospitals in Indiana.
Donate Blood in Memory of Deputy Jacob Pickett
Saturday, March 2, 2019
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Boone County Fairgrounds
Witham Building, 1300 100 South, Lebanon, IN 46052
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.
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 cruzrojamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.