ANNAPOLIS, Md. (Sept. 8, 2021) – We lost Wendi Winters on June 28, 2018. On that day five journalists who worked at the Capital Gazette Newspaper in Annapolis were killed in a shooting rampage. Winters, a “proud Navy mom,” church youth adviser, Girl Scout leader and American Red Cross volunteer, was among those taken too soon.
Winters invested her time helping those in need. She educated the public on the critical need for blood and platelet transfusions for cancer care, sickle cell treatment and other patient care. She also regularly coordinated Red Cross blood drives. On September 18, her legacy of service continues. Join us in Wendi Winters’ memory to give blood and help save lives at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Annapolis. Schedule your appointment by visiting RedCrossBlood.org and entering the sponsor code ForWendi.
Donate at the Wendi Winters Memorial Blood Drive
Saturday, September 18, 2021
8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Crowne Plaza Hotel – Arundel Ballroom
173 Jennifer Road, Annapolis, Maryland 21401
Donors who come to give on September 18th and throughout the month of September will receive a free haircut coupon by email from Sport Clips Haircuts.
Having a stable blood and platelet supply is the best defense against a shortage. This September, donors can do good and look good when they give blood or platelets as part of the Red Cross and Sport Clips Tackle the Need. Give Blood. campaign. Those who come to give blood or platelets Sept. 1-30 will receive a coupon for a free haircut via email several days after their donation. The coupon is valid through Nov. 30, 2021, at participating Sport Clips locations. Donors must have a valid email address on record to receive the coupon.
Health insights for donors
At a time when health information has never been more important, the Red Cross is screening all blood, platelet and plasma donations from self-identified African American donors for the sickle cell trait. This additional screening will provide Black donors with an additional health insight and help the Red Cross identify compatible blood types more quickly to help patients with sickle cell disease. Blood transfusion is an essential treatment for those with sickle cell disease, and blood donations from individuals of the same race, ethnicity and blood type have a unique ability to help patients fighting sickle cell disease. Donors can expect to receive sickle cell trait screening results, if applicable, within one to two weeks through the Red Cross Blood Donor App and the online donor portal at RedCrossBlood.org.
Blood drive safety
Each Red Cross blood drive and donation center follows the highest standards of safety and infection control, and additional precautions – including face masks for donors and staff, regardless of vaccination status – have been implemented to help protect the health of all those in attendance. Donors are asked to schedule an appointment prior to arriving at the drive.
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 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 not-for-profit 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 visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.