Find a Blood Drive
Find a Blood Drive
GREEN BAY, Wis. (June 20, 2018) – The American Red Cross is looking for superheroes. Unveil your super power by giving blood with the Red Cross, WBAY-TV and WIXX at the 32nd annual Super Donor Day Blood Drive Monday, July 2, from noon to 7 p.m. and July 3 from 6 a.m. to noon at Shopko Hall, 1901 S. Oneida St., in Green Bay.
Some might say the best superhero power is the way blood donors inspire others by donating blood. It’s their selfless act to help with the gift of life that makes their power impressive.
Katie Schurk, local celebrity and WIXX’s morning personality, would say that her son is a superhero. Brody Schruk, a 4-year-old at Tanner Elementary School, was diagnosed with Wilms Tumor, which is the most common type of kidney cancer in children. He underwent surgery to fully remove the tumor and one kidney. During surgery Brody required blood products. Today, Brody is 5 years old and halfway through chemotherapy and is a superhero in anyone’s eyes.
All presenting donors will receive a Red Cross T-shirt, $10 Visa gift card (via email) and a grill-out courtesy of Suburban Propane. Donors may enter a raffle for a chance to win various prizes. All while supplies last.
This blood drive comes as the Red Cross is urging individuals to help ensure blood is never missing from hospital shelves by donating blood through the Missing Types campaign. The goal of Missing Types is to inspire new blood donors and those who haven’t given in a while to give this summer and become a regular blood donor for patients in need in the years to come. For the past four years, new Red Cross blood donors have declined by about 80,000 each year. More blood donors are needed now to fill the gaps.
“Last summer we were thrilled that this blood drive collected 196 lifesaving donations, with nearly 30 first time donors,” said Michelle Goodwill, donor recruitment district manager with the Red Cross. “Our volunteers and staff are patient, experienced and professional at coaching new donors through the donation process. Blood donations of all types are needed and acquiring new donors helps to keep the blood supply at stable levels.”
Blood donations often decline during the summer months when busy summer schedules and vacation plans can cause some donors to be less available to give. But, the need for blood remains constant.
Donating blood is a simple process and takes about an hour. To help reduce the fear of the unknown for new donors, here are six helpful tips to know before donating blood:
1. Maintain a healthy iron level in your diet.
2. Hydrate – drink an extra 16 oz. of liquid before and after your donation.
3. Have a healthy meal before your donation- avoid foods high in fat just prior to donation.
4. Wear comfortable clothing with sleeves that can be raised above the elbow.
5. Complete your Rapid Pass. redcrossblood.org/RapidPass
6. Remember to bring your ID!
Every two seconds in the United States blood is needed to respond to patient emergencies, including accident and burn victims, heart surgery and organ transplant patients, and those receiving treatment for leukemia, cancer or sickle cell disease. The Red Cross must collect more than 13,000 blood and platelet donations every day for the patients at about 2,600 hospitals nationwide. There is no substitute for donated blood products.
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 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, from a computer or mobile device. 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.