American Red Cross
National Capital & Greater Chesapeake Region
Media Contact:
Ashley Henyan
843-571-8945
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Annapolis, MD, August 27, 2023 — Just over five years since the horrific Capital Gazette shooting, the Annapolis community is invited to donate blood on September 9, 2023 in memory of American Red Cross blood drive volunteer and journalist, Wendi Winters. Wendi tragically lost her life, alongside four others, in the workplace shooting on June 28, 2018; and this blood drive is anticipated to collect around 200 pints of blood to help ensure those in the hospital due to an emergency, difficult childbirth or complicated surgery receive the blood products they need to survive.
Wendi Winters, a “proud Navy mom,” church youth adviser, Girl Scout troop leader and Red Cross volunteer, dedicated much of her life to serving those who needed help. Wendi’s heroic actions saved the lives of several colleagues at the Capital Gazette in 2018; and since her passing over 2,000 units of blood have been donated in honor of those actions—resulting in potentially more than 2,000 lives saved.
Join us at this special blood drive on September 9th from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Crowne Plaza Hotel located at 173 Jennifer Road Annapolis, Maryland 21401. Eligible donors can schedule an appointment by visiting RedCrossBlood.org and entering the sponsor code ForWendi.
The American Red Cross needs donors to help ensure blood is on the shelves this fall by giving in September. As summer wraps up and kids head back to school, we know schedules shift and blood donors are busy. The Red Cross is reminding donors that blood for patients can only come from volunteer donors.
Good things happen when you give! All who come to give Sept. 1-18 will get an exclusive Red Cross T-shirt, while supplies last. Plus, thanks to Sport Clips Haircuts, donors will get a coupon for a free haircut by email when they come to give in September. Details available at rcblood.org/racetogive.
How to donate blood
To make an appointment, 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. 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.
About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.
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