American Red Cross Urges Community to Set Aside One Hour This Summer to Donate Blood

RedCrossIndianaOhioLogo TopOf the 2,250 hours of summer, countless are spent vacationing, gardening or just enjoying time in the sun. By setting aside just one of those hours to donate blood through the American Red Cross, you can help save the lives of up to three people and give them the gift of summertime, too.

We’re asking you to set aside one hour of your summer to give blood and help those in need,” said Sharyn Whitman, CEO for the Indiana-Ohio Blood Services Region of the American Red Cross. “Every two seconds someone needs a blood transfusion in the United State. We need everyone who is eligible to donate to make an appointment to give.”

The need for blood often increases during the summer when vacation travel and activities increase the chance of serious accidents which may require lifesaving or sustaining care. At the same time, the blood supply can dwindle as donors become busy with summertime fun and overlook giving blood.

While all blood types are needed, Type O is in highest demand because it’s the only type that be transfused to patients in other blood groups such as A, B and AB. Hospitals also use Type O-negative blood in most emergency trauma cases when a patient’s blood type isn’t known.

The Red Cross is encouraging Type O donors to schedule and keep appointments, or to optimize their donation by making a double red cell donation. Donors who meet certain criteria may be eligible to safely donate two units of red cells through the automated donation process.

Depending on your schedule, a double red cell donation may be ideal for you since you can give twice as much in just one visit,” said Whitman. “Whatever your blood type, however you give, someone needs you.

UPCOMING AMERICAN RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVES IN YOUR AREA:

  • Monday, Aug. 19, from noon until 5 p.m. at IU Health LaPorte Hospital in the Auditorium, located at 1007 W. Lincolnway in LaPorte. Come to donate and receive a $3 lunch coupon courtesy of IU Health LaPorte Hospital.
  • Friday, Aug. 23, from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. at LaPorte High School in the Small Gymnasium, located at 602 F Street in LaPorte. Come to donate and receive pizza in the refreshment area courtesy of Wanna Pizza and receive a coupon for a free Dairy Queen cone.
  • Friday, Aug. 23, from 8 a.m. until noon at Franciscan St. Anthony Health in St. Francis Hall, located at 301 W. Homer St. in Michigan City.
  • Wednesday, Aug. 28, from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. at Purdue University North Central in Room 144, located at 1401 South U.S. 421 in Westville.

 

How to Donate Blood
To schedule an appointment to donate please call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org for more information. Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental permission in Indiana and Ohio), meet weight and height requirements (110 pounds or more, depending on their height) and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. Please bring your Red Cross blood donor card or other form of positive ID when you come to donate.

About the American Red Cross
The Indiana-Ohio Blood Services Region serves northern and central Indiana and northwestern Ohio, and needs to collect about 500 units of blood a day to meet patient need in more than 60 hospitals. In addition to providing blood to our community, the American Red Cross also provides relief to victims of disaster, trains millions in lifesaving skills, serves as a communication link between U.S. military members and their families, and assists victims of international disasters or conflicts.