Red Cross blood drives in memory of Leah Reay

Leah Reay touched many lives with her generosity and enthusiasm before her death in a traffic collision Jan. 22, 2017. Join the Salina community in remembering Reay by donating blood at one of two upcoming drives to be held in her m

emory.

“I feel that donating blood in Leah’s memory is the least we can all do to honor such a selfless person, saving many more lives even after her death,” said Kevin Reay, her husband.

Before moving home to California in 2015, Leah Reay, a 2013 Kansas Wesleyan University Nursing Science graduate, worked for the Salina Regional Health Center and served as a mentor for Salina youth. As a nurse and a regular blood donor, Reay also understood the importance of blood donation.

“Leah always found a way to make others around her laugh and smile, even on the toughest days. She took great pride in her academics and in becoming a nurse.” said Bridget Weiser, vice president for student development at KWU. “Her enth

usiasm for her profession was a great example for others on campus.”

Weiser continued, “A blood drive seemed absolutely appropriate for KWU to recognize the passion Leah had for helping others.”

Donate blood in memory of Leah Reay

Kansas Wesleyan University

June 16

10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

John Haupli Student Center, 100 East Claflin

Salina Regional Health Center

June 22-23

8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Conference Room #5, 400 South Sante Fe

To donate at the drive in memory of Leah Reay, make an appointment by using the free Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting redcrossblood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) and using sponsor code Leah.

Blood donations are especially needed during the summer to maintain a sufficient blood supply for patients in need.

With schools out of session and many current donors taking vacations, nearly one-third fewer new donors may give during the summer than the rest of the year.

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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