PEORIA, Ill. (Feb. 17, 2014) – Blood donors are everyday heroes who help save lives. During March, Red Cross Month, the American Red Cross recognizes these lifesavers, thanks them for their generosity and encourages others to join their ranks.
Courtney Krisher will be forever grateful for the donors who helped save her brother, Lucas. The siblings, who are both members of the U.S. military, had given blood together just a few months before Lucas was in a motorcycle accident. He was rushed to the hospital with extensive internal bleeding and received four pints of blood.
"Some people call me and my brother heroes (because of our military service), but I think the same could be said for people who give blood," Courtney said.
The Red Cross has been meeting the needs of patients like Lucas since World War II and today partners with nearly 2,700 hospitals and transfusion centers throughout the U.S.
To make an appointment to give blood and be an everyday hero, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
Upcoming blood donation opportunities:
Carroll County
March 3 from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at West Carroll High School, 500 Cragmoor Drive in Savanna, Ill.
Henry County
March 6 from 12-6 p.m. at First United Methodist Church S Campus Bldg, 302 N. State St. in Geneseo, Ill.
March 12 from 2-6 p.m. at First Christian Church, 105 Dwight St. in Kewanee, Ill.
March 13 from 2-6 p.m. at St John's Vianney Church, 313 S. West St. in Cambridge, Ill.
Rock Island County
March 5 from 1:30-5:30 p.m. at American Red Cross, 1100 River Drive in Moline, Ill.
Whiteside County
March 5 from 2-6 p.m. at American Red Cross, 112 W. Second St. in Rock Falls, Ill.
March 11 from 1-6 p.m. at Robert Fulton Community Center, 912 4th St. in Fulton, Ill.
March 12 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at American Red Cross, 112 W. Second St. in Rock Falls, Ill.
March 13 from 3-8 p.m. at Tampico United Methodist Church, 202 Lincoln Ave. in Tampico, Ill.
How to donate blood
Simply call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org 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.
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. The Red Cross is supported in part through generous financial donations from the United Way. For more information, please visit redcross.org or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.
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