Find a Blood Drive
Find a Blood Drive
COLUMBUS, Ohio (Feb. 20, 2020) — While students enjoyed a break from school over the holidays, Maggie Fraley of Ashville answered the call to help save lives by planning an American Red Cross blood drive. The Teays Valley High School senior earned a $1,000 scholarship in recognition of her hard work.
As part of the Red Cross Leaders Save Lives program, Fraley hosted a blood drive at Ashville Elementary School on January 8. The blood drive was successful, bringing in 47 pints of blood, thanks to generous volunteer blood donors. As a result, Fraley was entered to win a college scholarship and was chosen as a winner. She was also awarded a gift card.
For Fraley, the need for blood is personal. Her own father passed away from a blood cancer when Fraley was 6 years old. “Receiving blood was key to my dad’s two year cancer battle,” Fraley said. “Hosting a blood drive was a great way to honor my father.”
“My mom led numerous blood drives where she works and shared her experiences with me. She has always stressed the importance of blood donation with my sister and I,” said Fraley. “Donating blood is so easy and you never know when it could be you or a loved one who may need blood one day.”
Fraley was thrilled when she learned she had won the scholarship. “I called my mom screaming, ‘I won!’” she said.
After graduating high school, Fraley plans to study nursing at Ohio University.
Registration is now available for the Summer 2020 program, which will award scholarships to 10 student participants. More information is available at RedCrossBlood.org/leaderssavelives.
How to donate blood
Simply download the American 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 (16 with parental consent in some states), 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% 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.