Find a Blood Drive
Find a Blood Drive
CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA (January 21, 2019) -- The American Red Cross and the Silver Lining Organization are teaming up for the first time to host a joint “First Blood” donation event on February 17, 2019 from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. at St. Anne's-Belfield School’s upper campus. The event will continue a series of annual “Silver Lining” blood drives to honor the memory of Becky Silver. Becky was a diehard UVA fan, a passionate St. Anne's-Belfield volunteer, devoted mother, and a loving wife. It’s been almost ten years since the longtime Charlottesville resident was diagnosed with leukemia, and almost eight years since she lost her battle to the disease. During her two years of treatment, Becky required more than 200 units of blood and platelets. It was a natural decision for her family to host a blood drive to honor her memory.
The Silver Lining events have become an annual fixture in Charlottesville, and an important provider of blood for UVA and Sentara Martha Jefferson hospitals. This year's “First Blood” themed event will urge eligible donors to bring with them a new, first-time donor to give the gift of life to help patients like Becky. This is expected to include adults and students recruiting their friends, as well as parents bringing their teens for their first donation, as a meaningful way to serve the community.
"Although we lost Becky, the donated blood was vital to her treatment and care,” said Lee Silver, Becky’s husband. “Because there is no replacement for blood, these Silver Lining events encourage everyone to do their part to ensure that the local blood supply is kept at an adequate level."
SCHEDULE YOUR APPOINTMENT TODAY
All presenting donors will receive a special edition Silver Lining T-shirt, spa services from Silver Lining Day Spa, and food and drink from Ivy Provision, Littlejohn’s, Bonefish Grill, Red Hub and Bold Rock-- *while supplies last. All eligible donors, are urged to make an appointment to give in the coming days to help restock the shelves for hospital patients. Eligible donors can find a blood donation opportunity and schedule an appointment to donate by using the free Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) use sponsor code: SILVERLINING. Volunteer blood drive hosts are also critically needed to prevent the shortage from worsening this winter.
Simply download the American 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 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.