Find a Blood Drive
Find a Blood Drive
KIRKSVILLE, Mo. (Sept. 24, 2019) — The American Red Cross along with the family and friends of Stefani Lorton invite the Kirksville community to give blood at the 15th annual blood drive in her memory Friday, Oct. 18 from 1 to 6 p.m. The drive will be held at Highland Crest Assisted Living, 2204 S. Halliburton in Kirksville. Over 450 donations have been collected since the inception of this blood drive.
Stefani was a nursing student and a regular blood donor who knew the importance of blood donations. In 2005, at the age of 19, Stefani died from injuries suffered in a car accident. She was an organ donor. While blood transfusions could not save Stefani’s life, they did help keep her alive long enough that her organs could be donated to other patients in need.
“We have had a lot of success and continued support from the community in keeping Stefani’s memory alive through donating at this blood drive,” said Karen Lorton, Stefani’s mother. “She was always very proactive about donating blood and encouraged others to do the same if they could, especially to help others who needed it most.”
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 2,500 hospitals nationwide.
Those with types O, A negative and B negative blood are encouraged to make a Power Red donation at this blood drive. Power Red donors give a concentrated dose of red blood cells during a single donation, allowing them to maximize their impact. During this type of donation, red blood cells are separated from other blood components, and the plasma and platelets are safely and comfortably returned to the donor.
How to donate blood
Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org and enter sponsor code HighlandCrest, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enable the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device 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 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 and platelet donors can 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, before arriving at the blood drive. To get started, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Blood Donor App.
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.