MARC JACOBS
Hutch Post
For three decades, the Hutchinson community has rallied around one man whose life depends on the generosity of local blood donors. This Saturday, Oct. 11, from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Holy Cross Catholic Church will once again host the annual Red Cross blood drive in honor of 30-year-old McCartney “Mac” Johnson, whose survival depends on monthly infusions made from donated blood products.
"Mac" was born with a rare immune disorder called hypogammaglobulinemia, which leaves him with fewer antibodies to fight infections. Because blood cannot be manufactured or stored long-term, Mac’s mother began organizing this annual drive when he was a toddler and has continued every year since.
“Mac quite frankly would not be here without the products donated by the community,” said Katie Eaton with the American Red Cross. “His mom has made it a priority to make sure people know how important these donations are — they keep her son, and so many others, alive.”
Eaton said Mac receives treatments at least once a month, and his story underscores the constant need for blood products across Kansas and the nation.
“Blood donations help people with chronic illnesses like Mac’s, but also trauma victims, cancer patients, and mothers and babies during childbirth,” she said. “These products can’t be manufactured — they have to come from donors. And because most blood has a shelf life of only about 56 days, regular donations are critical.”
The Red Cross reports a dip in the national blood supply, especially for Type O donors, which are in constant demand for trauma care and emergency transfusions.
“All blood types are needed right now,” Eaton said. “It’s easy to get busy this time of year, but every donation makes a real difference.”
Drive Details
When: Saturday, Oct. 11, 2025 – 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Where: Holy Cross Catholic Church, 2633 Independence Rd., Hutchinson
How to Donate: Appointments can be scheduled at RedCrossBlood.org using the code StTeresaHutchKansas or by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
Eligible donors must be at least 16 years old with parental consent (or 17 and older without). Donors can also check eligibility requirements, including medication or recent tattoo guidelines, by calling the Red Cross helpline.
As a thank-you, all donors who give between Sept. 22 and Oct. 19 will receive a $10 Amazon gift card by email.
For those unable to attend Saturday’s drive, blood drives are held in Reno, McPherson, Rice, and surrounding counties every 56 days. Nearby events can be found by entering a ZIP code at RedCrossBlood.org.
“Every unit collected helps someone like Mac,” Eaton said. “It’s one of the simplest, most powerful ways to save a life.”