Peru community encouraged to give blood
PERU, Ill. — An American Red Cross blood drive will be held in memory of Jean Greening Tuesday, May 2 from noon to 5:30 p.m. at the Illinois Valley Chapter Blood Donation Center, 1530 4th St., Peru.
Greening was a Red Cross employee in the Peru area for more than 23 years. She retired in 2002 and continued to support the organization by volunteering at blood drives. Greening passed away in 2010 and family and friends remember her birthday with an annual blood drive.
“Jean had an infectious laugh. She loved to banter with the donors,” said James Greening, Jean’s husband. “I know Jean would see this as the most beautiful memorial to her that I and her sister and daughter can do for her.”
Every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood. Volunteers of all blood types are needed to help accident and burn victims, patients undergoing organ transplants, those receiving cancer treatments and others who rely on blood products.
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 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.