Find a Blood Drive
Find a Blood Drive
Peoria community encouraged to give blood
PEORIA, Ill. — An American Red Cross blood drive will be held in honor of Samantha “Sam” Jones Friday, May 12 from noon to 6 p.m. at St. Vincent de Paul Parish, 6001 North University St., Peoria.
Jones was diagnosed with a rare form of bone cancer in 2014 and received blood, chemotherapy and radiation during treatment. Today, she is a freshman at Peoria Notre Dame High School.
“Like Sam, some cancer patients will need blood products due to chemotherapy, surgery or other treatments,” said Tony Baker, account manager for the Red Cross Heart of America Blood Services Region. “Volunteer donors are the only source of blood for those needing transfusions.”
This is the fourth blood drive held in Sam’s honor and generous donors have helped collect more than 330 pints for patients in need.
Donors of all blood types are needed. 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.
Those who come out to donate blood or platelets by May 14 will have a chance to win one of three $1,000 gift card shopping sprees from GiftCertificates.com.
How to donate blood
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 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