Red Cross to host Blood Drive to ‘Sock out Cancer’
Community urged to donate lifesaving blood during Childhood Cancer Awareness Month
BINGHAMTON, N.Y. (Sept. 4, 2020) — The American Red Cross has joined forces with Security Mutual Life Insurance and the non-profit, Sock Out Cancer, LLC for a blood drive during Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. Each year in the U.S. an estimated 15,780 children* ages 0-19 are diagnosed with cancer. Many cancer patients undergoing treatment will likely have a need for blood. In fact, five units of blood are needed every minute to help someone going through cancer treatment.
Healthy, eligible blood donors have the opportunity to be a hero for patients in need. Presenting donors will receive a free pair of rainbow socks, courtesy of Sock Out Cancer, LLC.
WHAT: Sock Out Cancer blood drive
WHEN: Sept. 9, 2020
12:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.*
*Appointments strongly encouraged
WHERE: Traditions at the Glen Hotel & Spa
4101 Watson Blvd, Johnson City
APPOINTMENTS:
· Visit RedCrossBlood.org and enter sponsor code TRADITIONS, call 1-800-RED CROSS, or download the Blood Donor App.
Each Red Cross blood drive and donation center follows the highest standards of safety and infection control, and additional precautions – including temperature checks, social distancing and face coverings for donors and staff – have been implemented to protect the health of all those in attendance.
How to donate blood
Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enable the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device 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, before arriving at the blood drive. To get started, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Blood Donor App.
About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% 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.
About Sock Out Cancer, LLC:
Sock Out Cancer, LLC is wholly owned by the Security Mutual Life Foundation, which is a New York 501(c)(3) public charity. Deductible charitable donations may be made directly to Sock Out Cancer, LLC, or to the Security Mutual Life Foundation.
*According to the American Childhood Cancer Organization: https://www.acco.org/childhood-cancer-awareness-month/