Find a Blood Drive
Find a Blood Drive
PEORIA, Ill. (July 19, 2018) — The White family is inviting the community to donate blood in honor of Brian White at a special American Red Cross blood drive Tuesday, August 7 from 12:30 to 5:30 p.m. at the Salvation Army Heartland Division, 401 NE Adams St., in Peoria.
Since May of 2018, White has been the recipient of whole blood and platelet transfusions due to a terrible skydiving accident.
White suffered serious injuries including a traumatic brain injury, broken legs and incurred massive blood loss in the incident May 11. Instead of landing as scheduled on the baseball field of the local team’s home opener, White drifted in a strong wind and disappeared. White jumped from a plane at 3,500 feet and both of his parachutes had failed to control his descent and he fell to the ground.
“Brian has been very positive throughout his recovery,” said, Nancy White, Brian’s wife. “Our community has been so supportive and we would now like to give back by helping to ensure blood products are available for patients who need it. You never know when an accident will occur so it’s good to have blood products on the shelf during these emergencies.” Brian and Nancy have been frequent blood donors and know the importance of donating blood.
This blood drive comes as the Red Cross faces an emergency blood shortage and is issuing an urgent call for blood and platelet donors to give now so patients can continue to receive the lifesaving treatment they need. Right now, blood products are being distributed to hospitals faster than donations are coming in. More donations are immediately needed to help replenish the blood supply.
Every two seconds in the United States blood and platelets are 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 2,600 hospitals nationwide. Donors of all blood types, especially type O, are needed to help those who rely on blood products.
Eligible donors with types O, A negative and B negative blood are urged 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 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, from a computer or mobile device. 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.