The Madison community is invited to give blood in honor of Janie Starzewski at an American Red Cross blood drive Thursday, Oct. 12 from 12–5 p.m. at Covenant Presbyterian Church at 326 S. Segoe Road. Starzewski was diagnosed this summer with autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA), a rare type of anemia that happens when the immune system creates antibodies that destroy red blood cells.
Starzewski’s mother, Sally Wellnitz, is hosting the blood drive to help other people with life-threatening conditions get the blood transfusions they need.
The American Red Cross is experiencing a national blood shortage. Fewer donors than needed gave blood this summer, drawing down the national blood supply and reducing distributions of some of the most needed blood types to hospitals. Donors of all blood types are urgently needed, and there is an emergency need for type O blood donors as well as platelet donors.
To make a blood donation appointment or for more information, click here. A blood donor card, 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. Donors 18 years of age and younger also must meet certain height and weight requirements.
