Absence makes the heart grow fonder, except when you’re talking about blood donors.
Every day, hospital patients depend on steady and consistent blood donations from volunteer donors for the blood they may need for ongoing and emergency medical care. Since February is American Heart Month, it’s a great time to put your heart into a worthwhile cause: donating blood at an American Red Cross blood drive to help hospital patients who require blood transfusion.
“Blood donations help many types of patients, including cardiac patients who are one of the leading users of blood and blood products,” said Tracy Duncan Fox, Communications Manager, with the Indiana-Ohio Blood Services Region of the Red Cross. “When individuals roll up their sleeve, they help build the blood supply. This is important anytime, but especially during the cold, wintry months when blood donations tend to decline. It’s important that the blood is on the shelf when hospital patients need a transfusion.”
Since 1963, the President of the United States has proclaimed February as American Heart Month. “Donating blood, and sharing your good health with others less fortunate, is a great way to observe this annual event,” Duncan Fox stated.
“We’re asking more people, young and old alike, to have a heart and give blood this February. If you’re healthy and can give, your donation can help make a difference.”
UPCOMING AMERICAN RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVES IN YOUR AREA:
- Tuesday, Feb. 5, from noon until 6 p.m. at St. John’s United Church of Christ in the Fellowship Hall, located at 101 St. John Road in Michigan City. Come to donate and receive a coupon for one free taco courtesy of Taco Bell.
- Sunday, Feb. 10, from 9:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. at the Conservation Club House, located at 1 Mill Pond Road in Union Mills. This blood drive is co-sponsored by the Conservation Club and the Lions Club.
- Monday, Feb. 11, from noon until 6 p.m. at the First Church of God in the gymnasium, located at 2020 E. Lincolnway in LaPorte.
- Monday, Feb. 11, from 2 p.m. until 6 p.m. at Evergreen Baptist Church in the gymnasium, located at 2005 E. Coolspring Ave. in Michigan City. Please call the church office at 874-8713 to schedule your blood donation appointment. Come to donate and receive a coupon for one free taco courtesy of Taco Bell.
- Thursday, Feb. 14, from noon until 4:30 p.m. at First Trust Credit Union, located at 950 E. Highway 20 in Michigan City. Come to donate and receive a coupon for one free taco courtesy of Taco Bell. Please call (219) 877-2290 to schedule your blood donation appointment.
- Friday, Feb. 15, from noon until 6 p.m. at Marquette High School in the gymnasium, located at 306 W. Tenth St. in Michigan City. Come to donate and receive a t-shirt , a coupon for a free cone courtesy of Michigan City Dairy Queen and a coupon for one free taco courtesy of Taco Bell. This Pint Size Heroes blood drive is sponsored by the National Honors Society. Please go to redcrossblood.org and enter sponsor code “marqhs” to schedule your blood donation appointment.
- Friday, Feb. 15, from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m. at South Central Junior-Senior High School in the gymnasium, located at 9808 South 600 West in Union Mills. Come to donate and receive a t-shirt. Please go to redcrossblood.org and enter sponsor code “scenhs” to schedule your blood donation appointment. This Pint Size Heroes blood drive is sponsored by the LEO Club.
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 some states), 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.