American Red Cross, City of Fall River, to hold blood drive

The American Red Cross and the City of Fall River have announced a Community Blood Drive taking place at Fall River City Hall.

Lily Dotson was just 5 years old when she was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. She immediately began a 2 1/2-year treatment plan in her fight against cancer. On two separate occurrences during Lily’s treatment, she was faced with the obstacle of blood products not being readily available. Her family was told that the hospital didn’t have the blood or platelets she needed and that she would have to wait for transfusions. It was incredibly frustrating and eye-opening for Lily’s mom, Susie Dotson.

“Can you imagine your child or loved one actually needing lifesaving blood and to be told there may be no blood at the blood bank? ,” said Susie.

In the first 15 months following her diagnosis, Lily received over a dozen platelet and blood transfusions that helped keep her alive. “People automatically think blood is there. They don’t realize we’re relying on their blood donation,” said Susie. “Lily needed blood products just as much as the chemo or the treatment.”

Every two seconds someone in the U.S. needs blood. It is essential for surgeries, cancer treatment, chronic illness, and traumatic injuries. Whether a patient received whole blood, red cells, platelets or plasma, this lifesaving care starts with one person making a generous donation. One donation can save up to three lives.

You can sign up here to make sure there is blood on the shelves for patients like Lily.

The drive will take place on Wednesday, July 31st from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Eligible donors with types O, B negative or A negative blood are especially needed (and encouraged to make a Power Red donation). Power Red donors give a concentrated dose of red blood cells during a single donation, allowing them to maximize their impact. To find out more click here.

If you have traveled outside of the US or Europe in the past 12 months you may not be eligible to donate. To check this and other eligibility questions, you can call the Red Cross Donor and Client Support Center at 1-866-236-3276.

Save time by using RapidPass to complete your pre-donation reading and health history online before you come to your appointment. Learn more here.

Prepare for your donation

Donor eligibility guidelines

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