Westlake Knights of Columbus: Ongoing Blood Drive

Every two seconds someone in the U.S. needs blood. It is essential for surgeries, cancer treatment, chronic illnesses, and traumatic injuries. Whether a patient receives whole blood, red cells, platelets or plasma, this lifesaving care starts with one person making a generous donation.

Westlake Knights of Columbus, St. Ladisals chapter 16373 is hosting their ongoing Red Cross Blood Drive on Tuesday, February 23rd, 2021 from 8:45am to 2:30pm at St. Ladisals Catholic church in Westlake. Their previous blood drive was held at the same location last October 8th with great success. The constant need of blood donations are tragically magnified during the continual shut downs and lockdowns due to Covid restrictions.

The Red Cross provides about 40% of our nation’s blood and blood components, all from generous volunteer donors. But supply can’t always meet demand because only about 3% of age-eligible people donate blood yearly. Each new donor helps us meet patient needs.

“To know that my blood, O negative blood, is literally the doctors’ and emergency rooms’ first line of defense – it’s very important for me to donate, and donate on a regular basis.” – Ben C., type O negative donor

Each year, an estimated 6.8 million people in the U.S. donate blood.
13.6 million units of whole blood and red blood cells are collected in the U.S. in a year.
Type O negative red cells can be given to patients of all blood types. Because only 7% of people in the U.S. are type O negative, it’s always in great demand and often in short supply.
Type AB positive plasma can be transfused to patients of all blood types. Since only 3% of people in the U.S. have AB positive blood, this plasma is usually in short supply.
Red blood cells must be used within 42 days (or less).
Platelets must be used within just 5 days.

St. Ladislas Church is located at 2345 Bassett Road, Westlake, OH 44145. Their phone number for more information is 440-835-2300.