Sterling community encouraged to give blood
STERLING, Ill. (April 17, 2017) — An American Red Cross blood drive will be held in memory of Jen Banks on Saturday, May 6 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Washington Elementary School, 815 W. LeFevre in Sterling.
Banks passed away in 2015 after an automobile accident. She had received numerous blood transfusions during treatment in effort to save her life.
“By giving blood, those who were touched by Jen will honor her memory and may help hospital patients in need,” said Janet Jarvis, account manager for the Red Cross Heart of America Blood Services Region.
This is the second year the Banks family has organized a blood drive to remember the devoted wife and mother of four and dedicated teacher.
Every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood. Volunteers of all blood types are needed to help accident and burn victims, patients undergoing organ transplants, those receiving cancer treatments and others who rely on blood products.
Those with types O, A negative and B negative blood are encouraged to make a Power Red donation at this blood drive. Power Red donors give a concentrated dose of red blood cells during a single donation, allowing them to maximize their impact.
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.
