ASHLAND CITY, TN — The American Red Cross is joining family and friends in hosting a special blood drive in memory of John E. Mayfield, who died from cancer Sept. 29, 2017. The community is invited to take part in this lifesaving event Monday, Nov. 27 from noon to 6 p.m. at Gateway Assembly of God, 1642 Hwy 12 S. in Ashland City.
John, a Red Cross 13-gallon blood donor and former board member was an accomplished civic leader, youth advocate, humanitarian and owner of Mayfield’s Book Store where all proceeds of the storefront’s drink machine would go to local charities in Cheatham County.
Through the John E. Mayfield Charitable Foundation, he supported the Tennessee 4-H Foundation, Nashville State Community College, and awarded more than 230 scholarships and endowed 18 scholarship funds to support students.
A member of the Cheatham County Community Foundation, Kiwanis International, Girl Scouts of America, Habitat for Humanity, Imagination Library Board for Cheatham County, the American Legion and a host of other organizations, John was honored as a Champion of Change by President Barack Obama for his advocacy and support of The Eliminate Project in 2012.
“Being a part of this blood drive in honor of Mr. John Mayfield is a privilege,” said Sam Bancroft, a friend and mentee of John. “He did so much for me personally and for our entire community.”
The need for blood is constant. Every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood. The Red Cross encourages donors of all blood types to give blood in honor of John Mayfield while helping patients in need.
“Anytime something can be done to help other people, I am always fully supportive,” said Bancroft. “By giving blood, we can help impact someone’s life while impacting the community.”
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 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, from a computer or mobile device. To get started and learn more, visit redcrossblood.org/RapidPass and follow the instructions on the site.
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent 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
