Community Corner
Man to be Honored in Guilford Today for Donating So Much Blood Over the Years
The American Red Cross also says there is a dire need for more people to donate blood.
Guilford, CT - Lifetime blood donor William Mayer, Sr. of East Haven will donate his 280thpint of blood with the American Red Cross today at a blood drive at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Guilford.
Red Cross representatives will be on hand to award Mayer with a special badge that honors the 35 gallons total he has donated since age 17.
Mayer began his commitment to helping patients in need in 1960. He tries to donate at least five times a year and he kept that commitment during his time on active duty military status with the United States Navy.
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Mayer’s latest donation comes during an emergency need for blood donations.
The American Red Cross has issued an emergency call for donors to give now to help address a significant blood shortage and ensure area patients receive the transfusions they need.
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This is especially critical following the Independence Day holiday, a time when many regular donors postponed giving blood due to vacation plans, further depleting an already low blood supply. Right now, blood products are being distributed to hospitals faster than donations are coming in.
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 (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.
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