Find a Blood Drive
Find a Blood Drive
Lodi High School hosts blood drive to help save lives
MADISON, Wis. — The community is invited to give blood in memory of Sierra Skarda at a special American Red Cross blood drive on Monday, April 10, from noon to 5:30 p.m. at Lodi High School.
As a junior at Lodi High School, Sierra was known to have big dreams, a sparkling personality, all while sharing her compassion with others. Sierra was killed in a tragic car accident on her way to school, Tuesday, Jan. 26, 2016. Sierra was positive, optimistic, extremely outgoing with a giving heart and spirit, and an inspiration to all that knew her.
“Sierra could make friends anywhere. People drew to Sierra like magnets,” said Jami Skarda, Sierra’s mother. “Sierra was a smart, beautiful young woman - not only on the outside but on the inside as well. If a person is able to donate blood, I believe it is one of the easiest things to do to help someone. You can donate in memory of Sierra or in memory of someone who is no longer with you today.”
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 nearly 14,000 blood and platelet donations every day for the patients at about 2,600 hospitals nationwide.
“Hosting a blood drive in her name is a wonderful way to honor Sierra and help patients in need,” said Jody Weyers, account manager for the Red Cross Heart of Badger Hawkeye Blood Services Region. “Sierra’s favorite song was ‘You Should Be Here,’ which is quite the statement in honor of Sierra and the blood drive.”
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.