Find a Blood Drive
Find a Blood Drive
The American Red Cross has a severe winter blood shortage and is issuing an emergency call for blood donors to make a donation appointment now and help save the lives of patients like local teenager Peyton Jones.
Peyton is a ninth-grader at Lampasas High School who loves golf. He’s also a blood and platelet recipient, after being diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia.
“Peyton is a fighter and we appreciate everyone’s thoughts and prayers,” said Shante’ Lewis, Peyton’s mother. “We also appreciate those that have donated the blood Peyton’s received. We urge the community to attend the upcoming drive in Peyton’s honor to be sure blood is available for all who need it.”
Blood Drive Honoring Peyton Jones
Saturday, Jan. 28, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Immanuel Lutheran Church, 922 Lutheran Church Road
The recent winter storm has compounded a severe blood shortage forcing the cancellation of 215 blood drives and causing more than 7,500 donations to go uncollected. Right now, blood products are being distributed to hospitals faster than donations are coming in.
To donate at the blood drive honoring Peyton, make an appointment by using the free Blood Donor App, visiting redcrossblood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) and using the sponsor code, giveforpeyton.
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.