Red Cross of the National Capital & Greater Chesapeake Region

Media Contact: Bethany Bray Patterson

703-744-0343

Bethany.Patterson@redcross.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Be a hero: Donate Blood in honor of Wendi Winters

Donate blood #ForWendi and become a hero for patients in need

Annapolis, Aug. 26, 2024 — Heroes come in all shapes and sizes. They don’t wear capes or special suits, and their only badge of honor is the bandage that shows they gave the gift of life.

The community is invited to become a hero – in honor of hometown hero Wendi Winters – and answer the call of patients in need by donating blood on Saturday, Sept. 7, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, 173 Jennifer Road, Annapolis, Maryland, 21401.

Wendi Winters was a Navy mom, American Red Cross blood drive volunteer and journalist who tragically lost her life, alongside four others, in the mass shooting at the Capital Gazette on June 28, 2018. Her heroic actions in the 2018 shooting saved the lives of several colleagues; and since her passing 2,500 units of blood have been donated in her honor.

Make an appointment to donate at the 14^th Wendi Winters Memorial Blood Drive by visiting RedCrossBlood.org and entering sponsor code FORWENDI. All who come in to donate September 1 through 15 will receive an exclusive Red Cross raglan T-shirt, while supplies last.

Donating blood is one of the simplest things a person can do to help save a patient’s life. For the hour it takes to give blood, there could be a whole community of people thankful for another birthday given to their loved one.

All blood types are urgently needed to help make up an emergency blood shortage.

Completion of a RapidPass^® online health history questionnaire is encouraged to help speed up the donation process. To get started, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Blood Donor App on the day of your donation appointment. 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.

Find out more about blood donor eligibility and other details at RedCrossBlood.org or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS.

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 follow us on social media.

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