Find a Blood Drive
Find a Blood Drive
AUSTIN, Minn. — Lauren Schwab was known for her kindness and compassion and was putting that into action as an aspiring nursing student at Winona State University when her life ended suddenly from complications of a pulmonary embolism in 2013. The community is invited to remember her giving spirit by donating blood at the annual Lauren Schwab Memorial Blood Drive on Aug. 11.
“Lauren would be so honored to know that people were rolling up a sleeve in her memory,” said Beth Schwab, Lauren’s mother. “The Red Cross organization was very important to Lauren because it was her nature to help people.”
During and after high school, Lauren volunteered at the Red Cross, where she served on the board as a student representative. Through the efforts and leadership of her and others, Red Cross blood drives targeting high school students throughout the state of Minnesota were initiated in 2009.
“We welcome everyone to continue Lauren’s legacy of caring, concern and generosity in helping others by scheduling an appointment to donate blood at the drive being held in her memory,” her mother said.
Lauren Schwab Memorial Blood Drive
Thursday, Aug. 11
1-7 p.m.
St. Olaf’s Lutheran Church
306 2nd St. NW
To make an appointment to donate, download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
“Every two seconds, a patient in the U.S. needs a blood transfusion,” said Sue Thesenga, communications manager for the Red Cross North Central Blood Services Region. “You never know when you or a member of your family will need a lifesaving blood transfusion. The simple act of donating blood can help families spend more time with their loved ones.”
Blood products can help many different kinds of patients including accident and burn victims, heart surgery patients, organ transplant patients, and those receiving treatment for leukemia, cancer, sickle cell disease, and many other conditions.
This blood drive comes at a crucial time of year. It is often difficult to collect enough blood donations to meet patient needs during the summer months when schools are out and families are on vacation. Giving blood at the drive in Lauren Schwab’s memory will help ensure a sufficient supply of blood is available this summer.
How to donate blood
For more information and to make an appointment to donate, download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). Donors of all blood types are needed. 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 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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