Media Contact:
Scott Marder
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Become a Hero by Donating Blood in Honor of Wendi Winters
Baltimore, MD, Sept. 8, 2025 – As summer winds down, the National Capital & Greater Chesapeake Region of the American Red Cross invites community members to become heroes by donating blood at the 16th Wendi Winters Blood Drive on Sept. 13, 2025. This special event honors the memory of Wendi Winters, a dedicated Red Cross blood drive volunteer and journalist, who lost her life, along with four others, in the Capital Gazette workplace shooting on June 28, 2018. In about an hour, you can be a hero to people in your town and across the country.
Wendi Winters dedicated much of her life to serving those who needed help as a church youth adviser, a Girl Scout troop leader and a Red Cross volunteer. Her heroic actions in the 2018 shooting saved the lives of several colleagues, and since her passing, over 2,600 units of blood have been donated in her honor.
Join us at this special blood drive on Sept. 13, 2025, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, 173 Jennifer Road Annapolis, Maryland 21401. Eligible donors can schedule an appointment by visiting RedCrossBlood.org and entering the sponsor code ForWendi.
The Need for Blood Donations
September is Sickle Cell Awareness Month. Sickle cell disease is an inherited blood disorder that has no universal cure. Blood transfusions can help reduce recurrent pain crises patients often feel, as well as other complications. Your blood type could be the perfect match to help a patient with sickle cell disease. To learn more, visit RedCrossBlood.org/SickleCell.
September is also Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. Patients may need blood products on a regular basis during chemotherapy, surgery or treatment. Give blood and help support kids, teens and young adults facing cancer.
People of all blood types – especially those with type O negative blood – are encouraged to make and keep their appointments to give blood and platelets so hospitals can meet the daily demand for lifesaving transfusions.
Individuals are urged to make an appointment now to give blood or platelets by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
Blood Donor Rewards
In September, a little care goes a long way. Be part of the humanitarian spirit and give blood to help safeguard the blood supply.
Aug. 29-Sept. 21: Do a happy dance! In celebration of the 75th anniversary of PEANUTS®, all who come to give Aug. 29-Sept. 21, 2025, will receive an exclusive American Red Cross x PEANUTS mystery bag with one of four special T-shirt designs, while supplies last. You won’t know which iconic design you’ll get until you open it! P.S. Love one design but really want them all? Find a golden ticket in your mystery bag and redeem it for all four T-shirts.
About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.
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Support all the urgent humanitarian needs of the American Red Cross.
Find a drive and schedule a blood donation appointment today.
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