Find a Blood Drive
Find a Blood Drive
RACINE, Wis. (Feb. 21, 2019) — While students enjoyed a break from school over the holidays, Ben Brussat of Franksville answered the call to help save lives by planning an American Red Cross blood drive. The Walden III High School student earned a $1,000 scholarship in recognition of his hard work.
As part of the Red Cross Leaders Save Lives program, Brussat hosted a blood drive at Mount Pleasant Lutheran Church in Racine on Jan. 4, 2019. The blood drive was successful, bringing in 32 pints of blood, thanks to generous volunteer blood donors. As a result, Brussat was entered to win a college scholarship and was chosen as a winner. He was also awarded a gift card.
After hearing about the program through his Pastor, Krista Zimmerman, he was motivated to work with the Red Cross knowing that the work he did had the potential to help save and change the lives of so many people. “The experience I’ve gain by working on this blood drive has been a privilege and an honor,” said Brussat. “The highly coordinated act of so many people coming together to help save lives is absolutely incredible to watch and be a part of.”
When asked about how Brussat would encourage other students to host blood drives, he replied, “Do it, you won’t regret it! Working on a blood drive with the Red Cross is a great way to connect with your community. You will find so many people who care about the cause and who are willing to help out either by donating their time or their blood.”
Registration is now available for the Summer 2019 program, which will award scholarships to 10 student participants. More information is available at RedCrossBlood.org/leaderssavelives.
How to donate blood
Simply download the 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 (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 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.