April 17, 2024
Local News | Bureau County Republican
Local News

Red Cross hosts 100th anniversary drive

‘Help save up to three lives’

By Zita Henneberry
Grace Risatti of Buda donates her blood, while Val Kramer prepares for oversees the procedure. Two were at the American Red Cross blood drive, held Friday at the Tiskilwa Fire Department.

Grace Risatti of Buda donates her blood, while Val Kramer prepares for oversees the procedure. Two were at the American Red Cross blood drive, held Friday at the Tiskilwa Fire Department. (BCR photo)

The American Red Cross will be hosting its 100th anniversary blood drive Wednesday, Jan. 21 in Chicago.

“Each blood donation has the potential to help save up to three lives,” said American Red Cross communications manager Dan Fox.

A more local drive will be held Thursday at the Methodist Church in Princeton, said Bureau County Red Cross Director Lori Compton.

“Everybody’s blood is needed,” said Compton. She encouraged possible donors to make appointments or walk in to donate.

“Throughout 2015, the American Red Cross is commemorating a century of helping make Chicago safer and more prepared in the face of emergencies,” said the Red Cross web page.

“Usually donations are slower through the winter months and that just has to do with the weather,” said Compton.

Therefore, the 100th anniversary event comes at an important time of year. The Red Cross website informs its readers, lifesaving blood donations decline around the winter months when people are typically less capable of donating. Seasonal illnesses and harsh weather conditions contribute to the decline in winter blood donations.

There are a lot of older donors, said Compton, many of whom spend their winters in the South causing a decline in the area’s donations. She explained the recent snowfall will certainly impact donations in local areas.

While the blood donations typically decline around the holidays, said Fox, the Red Cross’ blood suppliers remained sufficient this past holiday season. The Red Cross urges all eligible donors to give to ensure blood products continue to be available.

“Usually there is never an abundance of blood; it always goes out,” said Compton. “When we have weather issues ... it just makes it that much more important that if you can get in and donate to do so.”

Blood donors of all types, said Fox, particularly people with blood types O negative, A negative and B negative, and platelet donors are currently urged to donate. Compton said all donations are needed in Bureau County, particularly the negative blood types.

There are many different reasons a patient may need a blood infusion. Some patients requiring blood donations include accident victims, cancer patients and premature babies, said Fox.

The Red Cross extended a special thanks to all donors. Those who donate at the anniversary blood drive will receive a Red Cross 100th anniversary T-shirt and gift bag, while supplies last.

“We appreciate all the donors, whether it’s financial or blood donations; it’s all needed,” said Compton.

Potential donors interested in finding upcoming events, said Fox, should download the Red Cross blood donor app, visit redcrossblood.org or call 800-RED CROSS.

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