Find a Blood Drive
Find a Blood Drive
Payton Kan
narr, a freshman at St. Mary’s-Colgan High School, likes reading, traveling and spending time with her dog, Luna. Payton is also a blood recipient, receiving transfusions every 10 to 14 days as part of her treatment for acute lymphoblastic leukemia.
Currently in remission, Payton can enjoy the life of a teenager thanks to doctors, nurses and blood donors. An American Red Cross blood drive honoring Payton will be held Nov.15, from 1 to 6:30 p.m. and Nov. 16, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Countryside Christian Church, 1901 E. 4th.
“Our family would like to encourage everyone in the community to attend the blood drive. We have seen, firsthand, the incredible need for blood products during this four year, roller coaster journey,” said Amy Kannarr, Payton’s mom. “Your gift can help Payton and others in need of blood.”
To make an appointment for the drive in honor of Payton, simply download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
The Red Cross encourages eligible donors to give blood to help stock the shelves before the busy holiday season. Many regular donors delay giving between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day because of holiday activities. This often causes a drop in donated blood available for patients. Therefore, more donations are needed in the weeks leading up to the holidays to help ensure the blood supply is sufficient through the winter months.
Every day, the Red Cross must meet the blood needs of accident victims, premature babies or people undergoing surgery or cancer treatment. Donate at the drive honoring Payton and make a difference to a patient in need of a transfusion.
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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