Young people have the power, and it’s a power of giving that comes from within.
When young people, from elementary school to college, become involved with American Red Cross blood drives, they learn the importance and need to help save lives through blood donation. For many, it’s an experience that can shape adult behavior.
“We want our youth to know they can make a huge difference in their community and the world,” said Sharyn Whitman, CEO, with the Indiana-Ohio Blood Services Region of the Red Cross. “When they ask their friends and family to donate blood, when they volunteer at a blood drive and donate blood themselves, they can start the powerful habit of a lifetime.”
Whitman said it is crucial to educate young people about the importance of community service through blood donations. Currently, baby boomers, generally defined as those born between 1946 and 1964, make up a significant portion of Red Cross blood donors. However, as this population gets older they may be less able to give blood on a regular basis. “We will be depending on a new generation of blood donors to take their place,” Whitman added.
The Red Cross offers opportunities to engage youth. Programs like Pint Size Heroes help build awareness and provide blood donor recruitment opportunities among elementary and middle school-age children. In addition, high school and college-age students have the opportunity to sponsor blood drives at their schools, form and join Red Cross clubs and to donate blood if they are eligible.
“America needs our younger population to step forward and commit to building and maintaining our nation’s blood supply,” said Whitman. “Engaging them early is a great way to build awareness and get them involved in the act of giving. It’s all about passing the baton to the next generation.”
UPCOMING AMERICAN RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVES IN YOUR AREA:
- Friday, Feb. 22, from 8 a.m. until noon at Franciscan St. Anthony Health in St. Francis Hall, located at 301 West Homer St. in Michigan City. Come to donate and receive a coupon for one free taco from Taco Bell.
- Monday, Feb. 25, 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. Please call 326-1234, ext. 1518 to schedule your blood donation appointment.
- Wednesday, Feb. 27, from 11:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. at Ivy Tech Community College, located at 3714 Franklin St. in Michigan City. Please go to redcrossblood.org and enter sponsor code “ivytechmichigancity” to schedule your blood donation appointment.
- Wednesday, Feb. 27, from 7:45 a.m. until 1:45 p.m. at A.K. Smith Career Center in the Cafeteria, located at 817 Lafayette St. in Michigan City. Come to donate and receive a t-shirt and a coupon for one free taco courtesy of Taco Bell.
Calling all basketball fans!
This February, come to donate blood or platelets at a Red Cross blood drive or donor center and be entered into a Region-wide drawing to win the following package:
- Two VIP tickets to the NCAA Sweet 16 and Elite 8 Midwest Regional games at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis (Friday, March 29 and Sunday, March 31). VIP tickets include early admission to the stadium, food, drink tickets and the chance to meet an NCAA legend.
- A deluxe corner room at the new J.W. Marriott in Indianapolis for two nights (Friday, March 29 and Saturday, March 30).
- A $250 Visa gift card to be used for other expenses such as meals, gas or parking or even souvenirs!
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. Individuals should bring their Red Cross blood donor card or other form of positive ID when they 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 60 hospitals. 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.