BUHLER, Kan. — The family of longtime Buhler teacher and community leader Carla Goertzen is honoring her memory with a blood drive Sept. 12 at Buhler Mennonite Brethren Church.
Goertzen, who was named Regional Kansas Teacher of the Year in 2011, was known for her dedication to education and her service on the Buhler Library Board, where she organized summer reading programs. She died after a battle with a rare form of bone cancer that required numerous blood transfusions.
Her family said she survived as long as she did because of the generosity of blood donors, and now they are asking the community to give back.
The blood drive will run from noon to 6 p.m. at the church, 415 North West in Buhler.
Donors can schedule an appointment through the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, by visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS, or enabling the Blood Donor Skill on Alexa devices. All blood types are needed. Donors must present a blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification at check-in. Eligibility includes being at least 17 years old in most states, weighing at least 110 pounds, and being in good health.
The Red Cross encourages participants to save time by completing a RapidPass health history questionnaire online the day of their donation.
Those unable to donate blood can also volunteer as blood donor ambassadors, helping greet and check in donors, or as transportation specialists, delivering blood products to hospitals. More information is available at redcross.org/volunteertoday.