Find a Blood Drive
Find a Blood Drive
Varna, Ill. (March 3, 2020) — An American Red Cross blood drive will be held in memory of Becky Bogner Monday, March 23, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Midland High School,1830 State Route 17, in Varna.
In March 2019, Bogner contracted H1N1 influenza, was hospitalized with acute respiratory distress syndrome and passed away 24 days later.
Bogner left behind a huge legacy and was loved by many. She loved her administrative assistant position at Midland High School, where she encouraged and supported the students and their activities. Her life was filled with service to others and community involvement.
“To have Midland's annual Red Cross blood drive in memory of Becky is a great honor,” said Steven Bogner, Becky’s husband. “She would have been proud of the students' work and grateful for the support of the community towards such a good cause. Because she benefited from blood donors during her time in the hospital, our family is especially appreciative that this blood drive can be part of her legacy. “
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 nearly 13,000 blood and more than 2,600 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.
“Hosting a blood drive in her name is a wonderful way to honor Becky and help patients in need,” said Gwen Bartoluzzi, account manager for the Red Cross Illinois Blood Services Region. “This blood drive is held during Red Cross Month which is truly fitting since Becky was known for loving her community and serving others.”
How to donate blood
Simply download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, 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.