September 30, 2020 — Webster Elementary School will host their annual American Red Cross Blood Drive on Monday, October 26, 2020 from noon until 5 p.m.
The blood drive is held in honor of former Webster principal (current Collinsville Middle School principal) Brad Snow. The first drive was organized by Webster Elementary staff as a tribute to Mr. Snow as he fought Chronic Myeloid Leukemia in 2018.
“In the past 2 years, our October Blood Drive has been key in helping our Regional Red Cross reach its goal, and we have been one of the drives with the highest collection rate.” said event organizer/teacher Amelia Petty, “I would love to see us maintain that standard.”
The current COVID-19 public health crisis did not deter Webster from holding their blood drive. Everyone is required to wear a mask, social distancing and hand hygiene will be observed. Donors who are not feeling well, must stay home.
“We chose to go ahead with the blood drive, because the need for blood and convalescent plasma is at an all-time high. We will be extremely vigilant in implementing safety measures as outlined by the CDC, IDPH, the Red Cross and the district,” said Petty.
This year, the American Red Cross will be testing for COVID-19 antibodies as an additional service on all completed blood donations.
“The antibody test is authorized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and will indicate if the immune system has produced antibodies to the coronavirus, regardless of whether symptoms were present. This test is NOT to diagnose current symptoms, referred to as a diagnostic test. If you feel unwell, please postpone your donation,” according to Petty, “Results of your antibody test will be available in your Blood Donor App, or in your donor profile on RedCrossBlood.org about one week after your donation.” Learn more
For more information and to register for the blood drive, click HERE.
Special T-shirts will Benefit KAHOKstrong
This year, there is a special t-shirt design for the Webster Elementary Blood Drive. All volunteers will be wearing “I Bleed Purple” Kahok t-shirts courtesy of Ryan from Shirts Galore & More. Kahok Nation can purchase a t-shirt or sweatshirt – with proceeds going to KAHOKstrong to help those in our community who need assistance. Orders will be accepted through October 19, 2020.
Click HERE to place a t-shirt order.
Information on Blood Donation Eligibility Requirements and Power Red Donation
Here are some links that will answer some general questions regarding eligibility to donate blood. However, each situation is unique, so it’s always best to contact a Red Cross Blood Donation Eligibility Specialist at 1-866-236-3276.