Find a Blood Drive
Find a Blood Drive
MIDDLETON, Wisc. (May 21, 2018) — The Kirkpatrick family is inviting the community to donate blood in celebration of Scott Kirkpatrick’s amazing recovery at a special American Red Cross blood drive Thursday, June 14, from noon to 6 p.m. at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church, 7337 Hubbard Ave., in Middleton.
In July 2017, Scott had a heart attack while driving in Middleton. Luckily no one was injured because Scott swerved the car into a tree. Scott spent months in the hospital with ongoing health issues. He suffered damage to his heart, liver lacerations, multiple rib fractures, a pelvic fracture and shattered both ankles.
In February 2018, Scott received a heart transplant from Donate Life. He received many transfusions during his surgery and throughout his recovery.
“Our community has been so supportive and we would like to give back by helping to ensure blood is available for patients who need it, like I did” said Scott. “You never know when you or someone you love will need the gift of life. Our prayers also are with the family of my heart donor. We can't lose sight of the fact that without that family's tragedy, this wouldn't have been possible. I would not be here without the giving of so many."
Scott might have received a change of heart but his passion for the Red Cross continues. “Scott has been very positive throughout his journey and has always been an avid Red Cross volunteer and blood donor,” said Julie Houg, Red Cross volunteer. “Bless his heart, when I saw him in church a week after his transplant I was floored. Scott readily agreed to allow me to dedicate this drive to his journey from life-threatening crash to new heart. I think there is no better example of how lives can be saved and changed by giving blood. I am so excited to help save lives with this blood drive and to celebrate Scott’s life.”
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 patients at about 2,600 hospitals nationwide.
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.