Fort Wayne platelet donor Dennis Holp will give his 400th platelet donation with the American Red Cross Friday, Aug. 11 at 6:30 a.m. at the Fort Wayne Red Cross Donor Center.
Dennis Holp is a longtime supporter of the Red Cross, having volunteered as a board member for seven years, and currently serving as the chair of the local Red Cross board. Holp, a Facilities Engineer at Raytheon, started giving many years ago due to a desire to help those in need. “Knowing that cancer affects so many people, and knowing that my platelets can help patients cope and hopefully survive, makes it really hard for me to ignore a golden opportunity to make a difference,” said Holp. Several years ago, Holp lost his brother, which he says reaffirmed his commitment to giving as much as he can.
Platelets are the clotting factor in blood, and are often used in cancer treatments. Because they have a shelf life of only five days, there is a constant need for platelet donations.
The Red Cross currently has an emergency need for blood and platelet donors of all types to give now to help hospital patients. Blood is currently going to hospitals as fast as it comes in.
Dennis Holp will be available for interview about his 400th donation and why he gives:
WHAT: Local donor Dennis Holp gives his 400th platelet donations to support the emergency blood shortage.
WHEN: Friday, Aug. 11, 2017, at 6:30 a.m.
WHERE: American Red Cross Fort Wayne Blood Donor Center, 1212 E. California Rd., Fort Wayne, IN 46825
WHO: Dennis Holp, Red Cross volunteer and local platelet donor
How to donate blood
Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) 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 donors can now 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, prior to arriving at the blood drive. To get started and learn more, visit redcrossblood.org/RapidPass and follow the instructions on the site.
