Find a Blood Drive
Find a Blood Drive
WATERLOO, Iowa (Sept. 18, 2018) — Selicia Parker of Waterloo helped save lives by hosting an American Red Cross blood drive this summer and earned a $1,000 scholarship because of her lifesaving efforts.
As part of the Red Cross Leaders Save Lives program, the University of Northern Iowa student hosted a blood drive at the university’s wellness and recreation center on June 20, 2018, which collected 33 blood donations. As a result, Parker was entered in a drawing to win a scholarship and was chosen as a winner. Parker was also awarded a gift card.
Parker anticipates graduating in May of 2020 with plans to attend medical school in the future. When asked about sharing her blood drive experience, she said her motivations started with the opportunity to help raise awareness about the need for blood products. “Joining the Red Cross Club has been an amazing experience, I have learned valuable skills that will help me through my whole life,” said Parker. “I am so excited, I never thought I would win other than helping to save lives.”
Blood donors from high school and college blood drives account for about 20 percent of donations given through the Red Cross during the school year. Many of these blood donors do not give when school is not in session during the summer months and the winter holidays - a time when an overall decline in donations can often occur. The Leaders Save Lives program encourages community-minded high school and college students to host blood drives to help maintain the blood supply during these crucial times of the year.
Students can sign up now to participate in the Leaders Save Lives program this winter break, Dec. 15, 2018, through Jan. 15, 2019. More information is available at RedCrossBlood.org/LeadersSaveLives.
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, 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 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.