Find a Blood Drive
Find a Blood Drive
Owensville community encouraged to give blood
OWENSVILLE, Mo. — An American Red Cross blood drive will be held in honor of Karen Waters on Thursday, May 18 from noon to 6 p.m. at Immaculate Conception Church, 404 S. 1st Street, Owensville.
In April 2016, Karen Waters was diagnosed with a very rare condition called Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS), which results in destruction of red blood cells. On average, only 3 out of every one million people are diagnosed with this each year. During Karen’s lengthy hospitalization, she underwent a complete plasma exchange, as well as several red blood cell transfusions. In total, Karen received 147 blood products. Karen, along with her family, humbly request that you help them “pay it forward” by being a blood donor. By donating blood, you are choosing to save a life!
“While in the hospital I felt the need to give back in some way,” said Karen. “After getting home and improving I reached out to Amanda with the Red Cross to see how we would go about coordinating a blood drive to help give back and help save someone else's life.”
“I don't think most people realize the importance of this humanitarian gesture until they or someone very close to them needs blood to survive. Personally, this was not something that I really thought much about until my grandson got so sick and needed his first blood transfusion at 8 years old. Then a month after his first transfusion I found myself in this scary situation facing death. I am forever grateful to all of the selfless donors that literally helped save my life.”
Donors of all blood types are needed. 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. During this type of donation, red blood cells are separated from other blood components, and the plasma and platelets are safely and comfortably returned to the donor.
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.
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.
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