Richvalley Lions to host blood drive April 26

Heroes come in all shapes and sizes. They don’t wear capes or special suits, and their badge of honor is the bandage that shows they gave the gift of life.

The community is invited to become a hometown hero and answer the call of patients in need by donating blood on April 26, 2023 from noon to 6 p.m. At the Richvalley Lions Club Community Building, 56 Mill Street, Richvalley.

Call Doug Simon at 765-260-571-5514 or go to redcrossblood.org using sponsor code: richvalley

We have dedicated this blood drive to Sawyer Draper, a 7 year old who has been battling Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia since he was 2. During the past five years

Sawyer has relapsed twice and has received two stem cell transplants with the donor being his cousin, Remy, both times. He has had countless procedures, chemotherapy treatments, medications, and close to 50 blood transfusions. That is 50 people who have saved his life, because they went and donated blood at a blood drive.

Through all this Sawyer remains resilient.

For the hour it takes to give blood, there could be a whole community of people thankful for another birthday given to their loved one.

The American Red Cross continues to face a national blood crisis – its worst blood shortage in over a decade, posing a concerning risk to patient care.

Doctors have been forced to make difficult decisions about who receives transfusions and who will need to wait until more products become available.

Blood and platelet donations are critically needed to help prevent further delays in vital medical treatments.

The Red Cross has experienced about a 10% decline in the number of people donating blood since the pandemic began

The Red Cross also continues to confront relentless issues due to the pandemic, including ongoing blood drive cancellations and staffing limitations

Every community in America needs blood on a daily basis. At a time when many businesses and organizations across the country are experiencing pandemic challenges – the Red Cross is no different. And while we are all learning how to live in this new environment, how we spend our time, where we work, how we give back, how we make a difference in the lives of others –donating blood must continue to be part of it.

February is a month for making heartwarming gestures. The Red Cross and Amazon will thank all who come to give Feb. 128, 2022, with a $10 Amazon.com Gift Card by email. • If there is not an immediate opportunity available to donate, donors are asked to make an appointment in the days and weeks ahead to ensure the Red Cross can replenish and maintain a sufficient blood supply

To make an appointment or to learn more, download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-733-2767 or enable the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device.

Completion of a RapidPass online health history questionnaire is encouraged to help speed up the donation process. To get started, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org

/RapidPass or use the Blood Donor App. 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.