The community is invited to give blood in honor of Dagan Hawkins at a special American Red Cross blood drive held in his name Thursday, Dec. 26 from noon to 6 p.m. at Lima First Assembly of God Church.

Dagan Hawkins is a very active 12-year-old Bath Junior High School student who loves playing basketball and gaming on his PlayStation. In November of this year, he was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia, known as ALL. He has needed
blood and platelet transfusions during his treatment and may need more as treatment continues.

Dagan’s family knows how important blood donations can be. “While at the hospital, Dagan needed platelet and blood transfusions,” said Dustin Hawkins, Dagan’s father. “There was a time when platelets had to be delivered from another location because they were not available.”

“There are so many reasons why someone may need blood that we don’t even realize,” said Marianne Hardesty, donor recruitment account manager for the Red Cross. “We take for granted that blood and blood products will be there at the hospital when we need it, but it can only come from generous volunteer donors. Giving blood in Dagan’s name is a wonderful way to honor him and potentially help others.”

This blood drive comes as the Red Cross faces an urgent need for all blood types, especially
types O negative and positive. Blood and platelet donors are urged to give now to help avoid delays in lifesaving medical care for patients. The Red Cross is thanking those who come to give Dec. 19 to Jan. 5 with a Red Cross long-sleeved T-shirt, while supplies last.
The winter months can be among the most challenging times of year for the Red Cross to
collect enough blood donations. Many donors are busy with holiday activities, and inclement weather can force the cancellation of blood drives. Additionally, some donors become temporarily ineligible because of seasonal illnesses.

Every two seconds in the United States blood is needed to respond to patient emergencies,
including accident and burn victims, heart surgery and organ transplant patients, and those
receiving treatment for leukemia, cancer or sickle cell disease. The Red Cross must collect
more than 13,000 blood and platelet donations every day for the patients at about 2,500
hospitals nationwide, including more than 130 hospitals in Ohio.

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 emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports 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 perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.