Category: Blood

In a heartwarming tribute to the memory of Reco Gunnels Sr., his family, business partners, and affiliates are uniting once again on September 8, 2023, to bring hope and make a lasting impact on the lives of their communities. The occasion marks the fifth annual “Give for Peace” blood drive, aimed at not only providing resources and education but also fostering a sense of togetherness that reflects Reco’s spirit. Reco Gunnels Sr., affectionately known as a gentle giant with an unwavering commitment to serving others, left a mark on all who knew him. This tribute, initiated by his family, not only honors his legacy but seeks to bring about positive change in the lives of those who attend. The event is an embodiment of Reco’s philosophy, “Go Big or Go Home!” The sentiment resonates through the remarkable efforts put into the Hoxworth blood drive. It’s not just a memorial; it’s a vibrant celebration of Reco’s values and the impact he made during his time on Earth. Reco’s spirit of service, inherited from their late mother Maxine Gunnels, continues to inspire the family and everyone involved. Reco had a profound sense of community and camaraderie. He was known for organizing community cookouts to promote unity and support for those impacted by gun violence. Tragically, Reco himself fell victim to gun violence on August 24th, 2017. His family, community, and business partners are determined to turn the pain of loss into a driving force for change and justice. “We hold onto hope to receive justice for our family and all that loved him,” says Kelly Gunnels Valines, sister of Reco. “The blood drive serves as a symbol of that hope, as well as a way to give back to the community that Reco cared so deeply about.” For the past five years, this blood drive has been a way for Reco’s loved ones to remember him and honor his legacy. It’s a unique blend of commemoration, education, and altruism – a true embodiment of Reco. By fostering a culture of blood donation, the event saves lives in the greater Cincinnati community and ensures that Reco’s memory lives on. Reco Gunnels Sr.’s legacy is one of love, service and unity. And on September 8, 2023, that legacy will shine brighter than ever, reminding us all that a life well-lived continues to touch hearts and change lives long after it has passed.

<!– 12 Days Of Hope Blood Drive Underway | KLIN – News/Talk 1400

by: Wil Day Posted: Aug 28, 2023 / 02:39 PM CDT Updated: Aug 28, 2023 / 02:39 PM CDT SALINA, Kan. (KSNW) — The annual “Battle of the Badges” is underway in Salina. Each year the Salina Police Department and Salina Fire and EMS compete to see who can get the most people to donate blood and vote for them in the event sponsored by the American Red Cross. Barton County sheriff: Man lying on road is hit by car The drive began Monday morning and runs through Wednesday. Those who participate with a blood donation and vote either for police or fire and EMS can receive a free t-shirt while supplies last. For more information, including times, location, and scheduling an appointment, click here.

At a vigil Sunday for the people killed by a mass shooter in Jacksonville, Fla., Gov. Ron DeSantis was loudly booed and heckled by attendees. A day prior, a white gunman targeted and shot three Black people to death at a Dollar General store before fatally turning the gun—an AR-15 he adorned with swastikas—on himself. Black Hack: Clean the Tub And Save Your Back! Off English “What he did is totally unacceptable in the state of Florida,” DeSantis said. “We are not going to let people be targeted based on their race.” Advertisement The governor—who we often find much to disagree with—wasn’t wrong there. Racially-motivated mass killings should be unacceptable in Florida or anywhere else. And as the state’s top elected official, the buck absolutely stops with him. But DeSantis left out one critical detail as he did his civic duty to condemn the violence: the fact that he has to own some responsibility for creating the climate in which it happened. No, he didn’t put the gun in the murderer’s hands, etch the swastikas or pull the trigger. He didn’t write the manifesto. But DeSantis, who is currently seeking the GOP nomination for president, has used his power to bolster racial division through policies that demean and diminish Black people, Hispanic immigrants and member of the LGBTQIA community. Advertisement Advertisement Whether it was the Stop WOKE Act” which severely limits how companies and school can discuss race, to gutting diversity programs at colleges, DeSantis has used the levers of power to specifically demonize Black people—and our history—in attempt to appease a bigoted political party and make white people feel better. In a move earlier this year that even shocked Republicans, the Florida Board of Education approved a new set of African-American Studies teaching standards that claimed Black people personally benefited from slavery. DeSantis’ Republican Party has for decades purported to care about law and order, but the Florida gov saw fit to suspend two elected prosecutors—including the only Black woman in that role in the state—when how they did their job wasn’t politically convenient for him. In addition to his crusade against critical race theory, DeSantis also made it easier for the Jacksonville shooter to purchase his weapon by loosening gun laws in Florida during his tenure. For the governor to feign empathy and call the perpetrator a “major league scumbag” Sunday night is a joke; DeSantis intentionally cultivated the grounds for this atrocious act of violence to occur. In May, the NAACP issued a formal travel advisory for the state of Florida explaining it wasn’t safe for Black people. Advertisement “Florida is openly hostile toward African Americans, people of color and LGBTQ+ individuals,” the travel notice stated. “Before traveling to Florida, please understand that the state of Florida devalues and marginalizes the contributions of, and the challenges faced by African Americans and other communities of color.” Shortly after the advisory was released, a spokesperson for DeSantis wrote it off as “nothing more than a stunt.” Now we know who was right. However, what happened on Saturday proved that politicians who normalize white supremacist rhetoric used by domestic terrorists play a crucial role in the rise of hate crimes. DeSantis and others like him who prop up white nationalism have blood on their hands—and Black folks won’t ever forget it.

By Dr Martin Scurr For The Daily Mail Updated: 16:24 EDT, 28 August 2023

Carter BloodCare recently announced that it will host several blood drives in different parts of southern Denton County in September as part of Sickle Cell Awareness Month. “Sickle cell disease restricts the ability of hemoglobin in red blood cells to carry oxygen throughout the body,” the organization said in a news release. “This can lead to fatigue, strokes, intense pain, shortness of breath, headaches, dizziness and organ failure. Texas-based nonprofit Carter BloodCare notes blood transfusions are key treatments to relieve sickle cell symptoms.” Sickle cell disease is an inherited blood disorder that affects about 100,000 Americans. “Eligible donors can easily support neighbors in need and others requiring transfusions,” Carter BloodCare said in a statement. “Give blood at this month’s Carter BloodCare blood drive.” The Carter BloodCare Bus will conduct a blood drive on Sept. 7, from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital, 4400 Long Prairie Road in Flower Mound. Click here to sign up. Then on Sept. 17, the Carter BloodCare Bus will be at St. Mark’s Catholic Church, 6500 Crawford Road in Argyle, from 7:45 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Click here to sign up. And on Sept. 23, the Carter BloodCare Bus will conduct another blood drive at Double Oak Veterinary Medical Center, 8351 Justin Road, from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Click here to sign up.

ORLANDO, Fla. — OneBlood is issuing an urgent call for blood donations before Tropical Storm Idalia makes landfall in Florida. Officials said there is a need for all blood types, but there is an increased need for types O negative and O positive as well as platelets. WATCH CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS “Hurricanes and tropical systems often disrupt blood collections for several days,” said Susan Forbes, OneBlood’s senior vice president of corporate communications and public relations. “The most critical time for blood donations is prior to any storm or hurricane in order to sustain the blood supply during and immediately after the event.” Read: All blood donors regardless of gender, sexual orientation now screened the same way OneBlood encourages all eligible donors to make blood donation part of their storm preparations and visit a donor center or Big Red Bus as soon as possible. For a list of OneBlood locations, click here. New FDA regulations make it easier for LGBTQ+ members to donate blood, 7 years after Pulse tragedy New FDA regulations make it easier for LGBTQ+ members to donate blood, 7 years after Pulse tragedy (Jeff Levkulich, WFTV.com/WFTV) Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. ©2023 Cox Media Group

<!– Piqua Baptist Church blood drive set for Sept. 7 – Miami Valley Today

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — The Houchin Community Blood Bank is partnering up with Wiki’s Wine Dive & Grill for an end-of-month promotion. Houchin officials say from Monday, Aug. 28 to Friday, Sept. 1 blood donors who make a successful blood donation can receive one $10 voucher for Wiki’s Wine Dive & Grill. The offer is only available while supplies last. In a news release Shane Hubbard, Creative Development Coordinator at Houchin Community Blood Bank said: With many of our community’s routine donors ineligible to donate blood until the beginning of October, we need blood donors who donate maybe 1 or 2 times a year to step up and help our community. The average donor in Kern County donates less than twice a year,” he said. “If we hope to continue saving lives as a community and keep it strong, we need support from every person who is eligible to donate. And for those who are not eligible, we need help spreading awareness of the need for blood. Shane Hubbard If you would like to participate in this offer schedule your appointment by going to the Houchin Community Blood Bank website or call 661-323-4222.

Canadian Blood Services has issued a call for more blood and plasma donations as recent natural disasters have resulted in lower than expected donor numbers this summer. Here is what you need to know: More than 300 appointments cancelled in Kelowna area Almost 10,000 appointments need to be filled in Canada Canadians asked to ‘fill the gap’ The non-profit charitable organization said in a news release Monday that Canada “continues to face a unique set of circumstances this summer,” a time of the year when it is usually more difficult to maintain supplies of blood and plasma. Donated blood can only be stored up to 42 days, Canadian Blood Services says, and nearly 10,000 donation appointments need to be filled across Canada between now and Labour Day. “We expected to see lower attendance in the summer months when regular donors take summer vacations, but the extraordinary natural events across the country presented unpredicted challenges for folks from coast to coast,” Ron Vezina, vice-president of public affairs for Canadian Blood Services, said in a statement. “Between heat waves and forest fires, torrential rains and flash floods, communities are strained, as people cope with the emergencies in front of them. Fewer people have been donating, but despite these circumstances patients continue to need vital donations of blood and plasma.” Regions of the Northwest Territories and British Columbia have evacuated in recent weeks due to major wildfires there, the latest in a series of natural disasters that have occurred across the country. In the Kelowna and Shuswap areas of B.C., fires have damaged or destroyed hundreds of structures, as of Sunday. Canadian Blood Services says it cancelled more than 300 donation appointments in the Kelowna area over the past week because of the wildfires. “Our hearts go out to the communities that have been impacted by the disastrous events this summer,” Vezina said. “Canadians are always prepared to do the neighbourly thing and lend a helping hand and so we’re asking folks across the country to help fill the gap. If you can safely visit a donor centre or a mobile event, please do so as soon as you can. Patients are counting on you.” The organization is asking Canadians to follow it on social media @CanadasLifeline and to book an appointment by going to blood.ca, downloading the GiveBlood app or calling 1-888-2DONATE (1-888-236-6283). Canadian Blood Services says many locations offer same-day appointments. With files from CTVNewsVancouver.ca Reporter Kaija Jussinoja