Red Cross blood drive scheduled in memory of Blake Forsyth

The family of Blake Forsyth invites the Yates Center community to join them again this year to honor the memory of their son by giving blood at an American Red Cross blood drive planned for April 24 from 11:45 a.m to 6 p.m. at Yates Center High School,185 W. Bell.

Blake bravely fought brain and spine cancer before his death in November 2015. During treatment, Blake received many blood and platelet transfusions, and his family views this blood drive as a way to honor their son’s bravery and pay it forward.

The drive in memory of Blake Forsyth falls during National Volunteer Month. The Red Cross encourages eligible donors to give blood this April. Volunteer donors are the only source of blood products for those in need of transfusions. Donating blood is a simple way to make a profound difference in the lives of patients, and donors of all blood types are needed this spring.

Join the Forsyth family in remembering Blake, and donate blood to aid others in need at the Yates Center community blood drive. Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 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 (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, 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 visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.

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