The American Red Cross will be hosting a blood drive today, May 9, from 2 to 6 p.m. at the Church of St. Bartholomew Parish Center, located at 81 East Main Street in Norwich, in honor of Norwich High School alumni Savannah Williams. There will also be blood drives in Chenango County on May 11, 17, 22, 24, and 25. (Photo from the American Red Cross Facebook page)

NORWICH — The American Red Cross will be hosting a blood drive today, May 9, from 2 to 6 p.m. at the Church of St. Bartholomew Parish Center, located at 81 East Main Street in Norwich, in honor of Norwich High School alumni Savannah Williams.

Williams passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, December 20, 2016 at the age of 18. She was deeply involved in the community as a member of SADD, YES Leads, and the Big Brother Big Sister program, and she volunteered at the YMCA and a local veterinarian's office. Williams attended SUNY Geneseo to study biochemistry, and had a dream of working at the Center of Disease Control (CDC) to help find a cure for cancer.

To honor her memory, the Red Cross is encouraging Chenango County area residents to donate blood and help save lives. Donated blood can be used to help cancer, trauma, burn, and sickle cell patients, as well as patients with chronic diseases.

According to RedCross.org, whole blood donors must be at least 16 years old, weigh at least 110 pounds, and have not donated blood in the last 56 days.

Additionally, donors must be in good health and feeling well the day of their donation. One of the most common reasons individuals are ineligible to donate include illness such as a cold, the flu, and other illnesses.