Find a Blood Drive
Find a Blood Drive
STERLING, Ill. (July 23, 2018) — The Crossland family is inviting the community to donate blood in honor of Gary Crossland at a special American Red Cross blood drive Monday, Aug. 20 from 1:00 to 6:00 p.m. at the Sterling Bethel Reformed Church, 230 E. 23rd Str., in Sterling.
Being a loyal blood donor to the Red Cross was a lifelong commitment for Crossland. He donated more than 35 gallons to help patients in need. His first donation was for a co-worker’s child who was diagnosed with cancer.
Before his death in 2014, Crossland was diagnosed with cancer and received blood transfusions as a part of his recovery. He devoted his life to his family, friends and community and was awarded a plaque by the Red Cross for his donations.
Gary was employed at RB & W for 38 years until his retirement in 1998. He was a member of Bethel Reformed Church in Sterling and served in the US Navy.
This blood drive comes as the Red Cross faces an emergency blood shortage and is issuing an urgent call for blood and platelet donors to give now so patients can continue to receive the lifesaving treatment they need. Right now, blood products are being distributed to hospitals faster than donations are coming in. More donations are immediately needed to help replenish the blood supply.
“Hosting this blood drive in his name is a wonderful way to honor Gary and help patients in need,” said Janet Jarvis, account manager for the Red Cross Heart of America Blood Services Region. “We are hopeful that Sterling Bethel Reformed Church will continue to sponsor regular blood drives with consistency for the community as we know this is something that Gary would have appreciated.”
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.
How to donate blood
Simply download the 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 (16 with parental consent in some states), 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, from a computer or mobile device. 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.