Give Blood and #give10 with the Cleveland Browns

Posted on July 29, 2016 by American Red Cross of Northern Ohio

Team Encourages Volunteerism, Blood Donations as Training Camp Begins

Rain in Berea on Friday, July 29 did not dampen the spirits of Cleveland Browns fans who turned out for the opening of the 2016 training camp. And once again, the Red Cross was invited to camp to encourage fans to give blood during the annual Cleveland Browns Blood Drive on Saturday, July 30.

Browns Fan Becky Browand

We also invited fans to #give10.

The Browns’ #give10 initiative is meant to inspire fans to help their communities by volunteering for 10 hours each year. And there’s no better place to begin volunteering than the American Red Cross.

“Red Cross volunteers help people in their darkest hour, following a fire, flood or other disaster that forces them from their homes,” said Pat Buckhold, Regional Volunteer Officer for the Northeast Ohio Region. “But there are many other opportunities to give back, by teaching First Aid/CPR, helping members of the military connect with their families, or offering behind the scenes support as a receptionist or caseworker.”

Red Cross volunteer Carol Grant and Browns fan Susan Walter of Cleveland

Volunteers also help at blood drives, like the Browns Blood Drive being held at 13 separate sites in Northeast Ohio on Saturday, July 30. Fans who attend Browns training camp can donate blood at the Berea Recreation Center, 451 Front Street from 8:00 am-2:00 pm. All presenting donors at each blood drive location will receive a commemorative Browns T-shirt (while supplies last) and have the chance to win great Browns-related prizes.

Browns intern Sydney Golic and Red Cross volunteer Carol Grant

The blood drive couldn’t be more timely. We are in the midst of a significant blood shortage and have issued a blood emergency declaration, calling for donors to give now. Call 1-800-RED CROSS (733-2767) or log onto redcrossblood.org to make an appointment to donate blood.

To become a Red Cross volunteer, go online and click on the volunteer tab, or call 216-431-3328.

And Go Browns!

Photo credit: Jim McIntyre/American Red Cross

Blood Donors Give at Gateway

Posted on June 21, 2016 by American Red Cross of Northern Ohio

By Ryan McDivitt, American Red Cross Volunteer

Electricity was still in the air at Cleveland’s Gateway Plaza Monday, June 20^th just hours after the Cleveland Cavaliers won the 2016 NBA Championship. While hundreds of fans lined up to buy Cavaliers gear at Quicken Loans Arena, two American Red Cross blood mobiles were parked on the adjacent plaza between the Q and Progressive Field for the annual Cleveland Indians Blood drive.

The Red Cross partnered with the Indians and Cleveland Clinic to collect urgently needed blood. Summer vacations and activities often make it difficult to collect the 14,000 lifesaving blood donations needed every day, so blood drives like this are a huge contribution to the community.

Donors were given a chance to win free tickets to an upcoming Indian’s game as an incentive to attract caring individuals to donate their blood, plasma, and platelets.

And because the bloodmobiles were parked in the shadow of the Q, donors were able to snap selfies with the home of the NBA Champs in the background.

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Photo credit: Jim McIntyre/American Red Cross

Donors can save time whenever they give blood with Rapidpass. The pre-donation information and health history questionnaire can be filled out online on the day of the donation at redcrossblood.org/rapidpass.

The Red Cross strives to make donating blood a convenient, easy, and rewarding experience. The Red Cross Blood Donor app allows its users to manage donation appointments, track the lifetime impact of their donations, and even earn rewards doing so. If you would like to help save a life by donating blood, download the Red Cross Blood app, visit redcrossblood.org, or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to make an appointment.

And congratulations to the Cleveland Cavaliers!

And go Tribe!

Cedar Fair and The Red Cross Reward Donors this Summer with Tickets to Theme Parks

Posted on June 17, 2016 by American Red Cross of Northern Ohio

By Anmol Nigam, American Red Cross Volunteer

How would you like to go to Cedar Point for free? All you have to do is give blood at a select blood drive this summer.

The Red Cross is offering free tickets to blood donors at select blood drives this summer, thanks to a partnership with Cedar Fair theme parks and Cleveland’s iHeartMedia. Donors also have a chance to win many additional prizes, including one of two grand prizes.

Photo courtesy of Cedar Fair, with permission

The Red Cross provides 40% of the nation’s blood to save countless lives. Blood and platelet donors of all types are always in need.

Christy Peters, the External Communications Manager for the Red Cross Northern Ohio Blood Services Region reminds volunteers, “Blood and platelet donations are especially needed during the summer months when donations slow due to summer vacations and travel among regular donors.”

One ticket to a Cedar Fair theme park will be offered to each donor at select blood drives. Participating theme park locations include Cedar Point, Kings Island, Kings Dominion, Knott’s Berry Farm, Carowinds, Dorney Park, Michigan Adventure, Valley Fair, and California’s Great Adventure. Tickets are limited, so sign up at one of these blood drives by going to redcrossblood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767,) or by registering through the Red Cross Blood App.

6/21/16	Bainbridge Town Hall	1 – 7 p.m.	17826 Chillicothe Rd.	Chagrin Falls	44023
6/22/16	Packard Music Hall	12 – 6 p.m.	1703 Mahoning Ave.	Warren	44483
6/24/16	Mentor Civic Arena	10 a.m. – 7 p.m.	8600 Munson Rd.	Mentor	44060
6/29/16	Castaway Bay	2 – 7 p.m.	2001 Cleveland Rd.	Sandusky	44870
6/30/16	Massillon Recreation Center	12 – 7 p.m.	505 Erie Street N	Massillon	44646
7/8/16	Hilton Garden Inn Mayfield Village	1 – 7 p.m.	700 Beta Dr.	Mayfield Village	44143
7/13/16	Dave & Buster’s	2 – 8 p.m.	25735 First St.	Westlake	44145
7/19/16	Heartland Community Church	1 – 7 p.m.	3400 Weymouth Rd.	Medina	44256
7/22/16	United Methodist Church	12 – 7 p.m.	1435 E. Main St.	Kent	44240
7/26/16	Independence Community Center	9 a.m. – 3 p.m.	6363 Selig Dr.	Independence	44131
7/29/16	iHeartMedia	10 a.m. – 6 p.m.	7461 South Avenue	Boardman	44512
8/1/2016	Cornerstone Community Church	1 – 7 p.m.	5344 Fishcreek Rd.	Stow	44224
8/4/16	American Red Cross Wayne County	1 – 7 p.m.	124 N. Walnut St.	Wooster	44691
8/10/16	Cuyahoga Community College	9 a.m. – 3 p.m.	11000 Pleasant Valley Rd.	Cuyahoga	44130

Donors also have a chance to win a grand prize package and discounts for $2 off the purchase of additional Cedar Fair tickets. The grand prize is a trip for four to Cedar Point or Knott’s Berry Farm with travel and hotel accommodations along with admission to the park. Enter for a chance to win any of these prizes by visiting redcrossblood.org/cedarfair.

And, as a special thanks to Red Cross donors, Cedar Fair is also offering a discount on Cedar Fair tickets purchased through redcross.cedarfair.com. Since prizes are limited and the Cedar Fair blood drives end by September 5th, sign up to donate soon! Your donation can help save a life.

18th annual Bloodsuckers Buffet Wednesday, April 13

Posted on April 8, 2016 by American Red Cross of Northern Ohio

Join us for the 18^th annual Bloodsuckers Buffet Wednesday, April 13, 7 a.m to 7 p.m. at Windows on the River in the Powerhouse at Nautica. All who come to donate will enjoy a 98.5 WNCX live broadcast all day, free goody bag with great gifts from our sponsors, complimentary parking, food and raffle prizes. Call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767), visit redcrossblood.org and enter code “Bloodsuckers” or use the Blood Donor App to schedule your appointment today.

Donating blood at the Bloodsuckers Buffet on April 13? Save time at the blood drive by completing the new Red Cross RapidPass online health history before you go that day! To learn more and get your pass, visit redcrossblood.org/RapidPass and follow the instructions.

Every day the American Red Cross needs 14,000 blood and platelet donations to meet the needs of patients. We can’t do it without you! Join us for the 18^th annual Bloodsuckers Buffet and help make a difference! The blood drive is Wednesday, April 13, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Windows on the River in the Powerhouse at Nautica. Enjoy a live broadcast with 98.5 WNCX, goody bag, complimentary parking, food and raffle prizes. Call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767), visit redcrossblood.org and enter code “Bloodsuckers” or use the Blood Donor App to schedule your appointment today.

My first time donating blood – and why I can’t wait to do it again

Posted on March 23, 2016 by American Red Cross of Northern Ohio

By: Kyle McPhillips, student at Bay High School

Most of my life, I’ve known right from wrong. I’ve known things I should do, and I definitely have been taught things I shouldn’t. I’ve learned by watching my parents, sister, grandparents, cousins, friends, reading and just hearing stories. I’ve learned how to be a better person by watching and listening to people around me.

I often hear how great my Great-Grandpa Kowalski was, and how great the world would be if we were all like him. He was Papa to my mom and her brothers and sisters, and a hero and best friend, especially to my grandma and my Uncle Andrew. He was in the Army, served in the war, lived his life to serve others, and donated blood any chance he could. Over his lifetime, I was told he gave countless gallons of blood.

The stories about my great-grandpa were in the back of my mind when Bay High had a blood drive. Also, one of my sister’s friends passed away from a rare blood disorder, ITP. These thoughts helped me realize that a few seconds of pain from getting poked by a needle would be worth it to help someone who really needed it. Who knows how many lives he saved over his years of donating blood, or how many people with ITP survived because of a blood donation?

Aside from wanting to do the right thing, I also found out that my blood type is O+, and that this blood type is in high demand. Because I’ve been fortunate to grow up healthy, I realized it’s also my responsibility to donate whenever I can.

Did you know that you can donate blood every 56 days? My first experience went really well. Our school had a blood drive, we all signed up, and it was as simple as missing a class or two and doing a good deed. The volunteer staff made me feel very comfortable. They knew it was my first time, as it was for many others there. After checking my iron level and getting me settled into a chair, they cleaned up the area of my arm, marked a “good vein” and then told me to look away while she inserted the needle. It wasn’t super comfortable, but it also wasn’t horrible either. After breaking my elbow and having stitches in my lip a couple times, this was easy in comparison.

I know there is so much pressure on kids today to do well in school, excel in sports, get good test scores and so much more, but things like the blood drive helped me realize that there’s more to life than many of those things, and that simply being a good person and helping others is most important of all. It’s also nice to know I’m helping someone who doesn’t even know me, and it’s a good feeling to do that and not expect anything in return, except some juice and cookies.

I told myself that 56 days after my first donation I was going to do it again. It’s been almost 70 days, and I haven’t been back because I’ve just been so busy with school activities. But, I can’t make excuses, because donating blood is as important, and maybe more important, than other things I am doing. I know my great-grandpa, who only got to spend three months with me before he died, is smiling knowing that I’m trying to walk in his footsteps.

Give from the Heart

Posted on February 9, 2016 by American Red Cross of Northern Ohio

There is still time left on this snowy day to head out to the 18^th Annual “Give From the Heart Blood Drive” at Executive Caterers at Landerhaven! Doors will close at 7 p.m.

Photo credit: Mary Williams/American Red Cross Staff Member

Photo credit: Mary Williams/American Red Cross Staff Member

This blood drive is the largest in Northeast Ohio. Over the past 18 years, the ‘Give From the Heart Blood Drive’ has potentially helped to touch the lives of over 30,000 patients in need. Across the country, many regions are experiencing inclement winter weather and seasonal flu epidemics, which impact the ability of blood and platelet donors to give.

The need for blood is constant. Every two seconds, someone in America needs blood and more than 41,000 blood donations are needed every day.

To schedule your appointment to donate, or to view the closest blood drive to you, visit redcrossblood.org.

Dozens Donate Blood at Drive Held in Honor of Norwalk Boy

Posted on January 7, 2016 by American Red Cross of Northern Ohio

Turnout a Success Ahead of National Blood Donor Month

Have you made a resolution to donate blood in the New Year?

January is National Blood Donor Month, the perfect time to resolve to be a regular blood donor! Extreme winter weather and seasonal illnesses often make it difficult for the Red Cross to maintain a sufficient blood supply at this time of year. Healthy, eligible donors are urged to give blood this January!

To that end, nearly 100 people capped off 2015 by donating blood in honor of Evan Minor, who was diagnosed with Acute T-Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia last March. The amount exceeded the goal set for a special Red Cross blood drive, held on December 16^th at St. Alphonsus Church in Norwalk.

Dad – Dan Minor, Evan, Mom – Kristi and brother Ian

Evan has received more than 20 units of various blood products, according to his mother, Kristi Minor. Kristi says more than 90% of Evan’s bone marrow was cancerous at the time of his diagnosis. He has received support from many people in the community and on Facebook.

The need for blood donations is ongoing. You can make an appointment to donate blood by logging onto redcrossblood.org. And you can speed up the process by visiting the Red Cross Rapid Pass website. Donors can answer questions online on the day of their appointment, before heading to the donation center. Visit redcrossblood.org/rapidpass to learn more.

Blood donors with the most recent version of the Red Cross Blood Donor App can now view their health history information, including blood pressure, hemoglobin levels and pulse rate, on their digital donor ID card within the app. The donor card in the app can also be used as a donor’s official form of identification when donating. Download the app by texting “BLOODAPP” to 90999 or searching “American Red Cross” in app stores.

Volunteering for Blood Services

Posted on April 17, 2015 by American Red Cross of Northern Ohio

The American Red Cross Blood Services relies on the generosity of volunteers, not only as blood and platelet donors, but also to help with various aspects of our humanitarian work.

Every day, the Northern Ohio Blood Services Region holds approximately 20 blood drives throughout 19 northern Ohio counties. The organization depends on volunteers to assist donors with registration, escort them after they have given blood and ensure they receive refreshments and feel well after their donation.

Every day, volunteers show blood donors how important they are. Volunteer Ruby Dailey has been with the American Red Cross for over 14 years and loves helping people and making donors feel special. In the Northern Ohio Region, volunteers are part of a process that is vital for the whole community. By assisting at local blood drives and helping donors have a good experience, volunteers help patients in 57 local hospitals receive the lifesaving treatment they need. Jean Barson, who has volunteered with the Red Cross for 12 years, loves being part of the organization and giving back to her community.

Volunteers constitute about 90 percent of the total work force of the American Red Cross and the work of the organization could not continue without these dedicated individuals. That’s one of the main reasons George Figel has volunteered with the Red Cross for 29 years. He likes that it’s run by volunteers. And, he feels it’s a worthy endeavor because it helps people through a variety of services, like blood, disaster relief and military aid.

If you are interested in joining the lifesaving mission of the American Red Cross as a Blood Services volunteer, visit redcrossblood.org/volunteer or call (216) 431-3172.

Celebrate March is Red Cross Month by Rolling Up Your Sleeves

Posted on March 16, 2015 by American Red Cross of Northern Ohio

March is Red Cross Month, and the Red Cross has an urgent need for blood and platelet donors to give now to help restock its shelves following recent winter weather.

Winter storms in March forced the cancellation of more than 200 Red Cross blood drives, resulting in nearly 7,000 uncollected blood and platelet donations. This shortfall follows more than 26,400 uncollected blood and platelet donations in February due to severe weather across 27 states. Regardless of the weather, every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood – from cancer patients to accident victims to premature babies with complications.

March was first proclaimed Red Cross Month in 1943 by former President Franklin Roosevelt. Since then, every president has called on people across America to support the organization’s humanitarian mission in March.

You can help support the Red Cross and ensure blood and platelets are available for patients in need by scheduling an appointment to donate now. To find a donation opportunity near you, download the Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS. You can also help support the Red Cross by asking others to donate or creating a SleevesUp virtual blood drive.

New Red Cross app puts power to help save lives in hands of blood donors

Posted on September 10, 2014 by American Red Cross of Northern Ohio

The Red Cross is launching a first-of-its kind Blood Donor App that puts the power to save lives in the palm of your hand.

The app makes it easier, faster and more convenient for users to schedule and manage their donation appointments, track the lifetime impact of their donations, and recruit friends and family to roll up a sleeve with them.

As the nation’s single largest supplier of blood and blood products, the Red Cross is uniquely positioned to bring this cutting edge technology to blood and platelet donors. In addition to scheduling and managing blood donation appointments, other features of the app include:
• A blood drive or blood donation locator;
• The ability to sync a blood donation appointment with the user’s calendar;
• Donors can share personalized #selfies about their donation experience through social media;
• Unlock special badges through interaction with the app, make donations and spread the word;
• A chance for donors to come together to form teams, tracking their cumulative impact and viewing standings on the Blood Donor Teams Leaderboard;
• Exclusive offers and discounts from some of America’s best brands, including Shari’s Berries, ProFlowers and 1A Auto, with new rewards added regularly; and
• Uplifting donor and blood recipient stories that show the power of rolling up a sleeve to help save lives.

The Blood Donor App, along with the Red Cross suite of preparedness apps, can be found in app stores by searching for American Red Cross. You can also visit redcross.org/apps or redcrossblood.org/bloodapp, or text* BLOODAPP to 90999 for a direct link to download.

Eligible blood donors do not need a smartphone to schedule an appointment to give blood. Appointments can always be made by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or by visiting redcrossblood.org.

How to donate blood
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.

* Message and data rates for texting may apply.

NOHredcross

American Red Cross of Northern Ohio Region

Category Archives: Blood Donation