Find a Blood Drive
Find a Blood Drive
Ten-year-old Gavin Meder loves to learn. He is fascinated by science and loves studying about ocean habitats and the solar system. Unlike many his age, Gavin is also a blood recipient, having received more than 18 transfusions during treatment for leukemia.
An American Red Cross blood drive has been scheduled in Gavin’s honor to help make sure blood is available for patients in need. The Andover community is invited to donate at the Give for Gavin blood drive Feb. 28, from 1 to 6 p.m., at the American Legion, 229 Andover Road.
According to the American Childhood Cancer Organization, each year approximately 15,700 children will be diagnosed with cancer.
“I know from experience that many of the children undergoing cancer treatments need transfusions,” said Helena Hall, Gavin’s mother. “Having blood readily available is one way we can help these kids survive. We welcome you to come to the drive and invite you to donate blood in honor of Gavin and all other children fighting cancer.”
The Red Cross urgently needs blood donors to make an appointment to give this winter so that patients can continue to receive lifesaving treatments. To donate at the drive in honor of Gavin, make an appointment by using the free Blood Donor App, visiting redcrossblood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767.)
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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