Blood and platelet donors honored for helping ensure a stable blood supply
January is National Blood Donor Month, a time when the American Red Cross recognizes and thanks the millions of dedicated blood and platelet donors across the United States for helping to ensure a stable blood supply for patients in need both locally and across the country.
“Every day in our country, approximately 44,000 units of blood are needed in hospitals to help treat trauma victims, surgery patients, organ transplant patients, premature babies and patients receiving treatment for cancer and other diseases,” said Sharyn Whitman, CEO of the Red Cross Indiana-Ohio Blood Services Region. “As the new year begins, it is the perfect time to honor donors for their commitment to helping save lives through the simple act of giving blood and platelets throughout the year.”
The Red Cross thanks all those who roll up a sleeve each year to help save lives because the stability of the nation’s blood supply relies on the generosity of volunteer blood and platelet donors. January can be a challenging month for blood and platelet donations because of inclement weather and seasonal illnesses, yet the need for blood and platelets continues. It is important for eligible donors to make and keep appointments to help patients in need.
All blood types are needed to ensure an adequate blood supply. Donors with type O negative, O positive, A negative or B negative blood are especially encouraged to give.
Upcoming blood donation opportunities:
- Wednesday, Jan. 16, from 2:30 p.m. until 6:30 p.m. at Wanatah Christian Church in the gymnasium, located at U.S. Highway 30 and 1100 West in Wanatah.
- Thursday, Jan. 17, from 2 p.m. until 6:30 p.m. at St. Joseph Church in the School Cafeteria, located at 101 C Street in LaPorte. Please go to redcrossblood.org and enter sponsor code “stjclap” to schedule your blood donation appointment for this Pint Size Heroes blood drive. Come to donate and receive a coupon for a free donut from Dunkin’ Donuts!
- Thursday, Jan. 17, from 1 p.m. until 6 p.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church in the Fellowship Hall, located at 907 Michigan Ave. in LaPorte. Come to donate and receive a coupon for a free donut from Dunkin’ Donuts!
- Friday, Jan. 18, from 7 a.m. until 6:30 p.m. at LaPorte High School in the Small Gymnasium, located at 602 F Street in LaPorte. Come to donate and receive a coupon for a free donut from Dunkin’ Donuts! This is a Pint Size Heroes blood drive.
- Monday, Jan. 21, from 1 p.m. until 6 p.m. at St. John Kanty in the Hall, located at 7012 North 600 East in Rolling Prairie. Please call (219) 778-4017 to schedule your blood donation appointment. This Blood of the Martyrs blood drive is sponsored by the Knights of Columbus.
- Tuesday, Jan. 22, from 1 p.m. until 6 p.m. at Bethany Lutheran Church in the Hall, located at 102 G St. in LaPorte. Come to donate and receive a coupon for a free donut from Dunkin’ Donuts!
- Friday, Jan. 25, from 7 a.m. until 1 p.m. at IU Health LaPorte Hospital in the Auditorium, located at 1007 W. Lincolnway in LaPorte. Come to donate and receive coupon for a free donut from Dunkin’ Donuts and a $3 lunch coupon courtesy of IU Health LaPorte Hospital. Please call 326-1234, ext. 1518 to schedule your blood donation appointment.
- Tuesday, Jan. 29, from 3 p.m. until 7 p.m. at Immanuel Lutheran Church in the Fellowship Hall, located at 1237 E. Coolspring Ave. in Michigan City. Come to donate and receive a coupon for a free donut from Dunkin’ Donuts! Please call 872-4419 or go to redcrossblood.org and enter sponsor code “immluthmc” to schedule your blood donation appointment.
- Tuesday, Jan. 29, from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. at Purdue University North Central in Library Student Faculty Building Room 144, located at 1401 South U.S. 421 in Westville. Come to donate and be entered into a drawing for a $50 shopping spree. Please go to redcrossblood.org and enter sponsor code ”PNC13” to schedule your blood donation appointment.
How to Donate Blood
Simply call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org 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 (16 with parental consent in Indiana and Ohio), 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.
About the American Red Cross
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 join our blog at http://blog.redcross.org.