American Red Cross Urges Public to Fall into the Habit of Year-Round Blood Donation

blood-driveOutside, leaves are changing to a dazzling array of fiery red, brilliant gold and bright orange hues.

Inside the hospitals served by the Indiana-Ohio Blood Services Region of the American Red Cross, blood needs are constant for patients diagnosed with cancer and other serious illnesses; victims of automobile and other accidents; infants born prematurely; and many others.

Every two seconds, someone in the United States needs a blood transfusion. However, the average blood donor in the 52-county service area donates blood an average of only 1.6 times each year, although many individuals can donate blood as often as every 56 days.

We need strong turnout from donors during the fall both to replenish blood supplies depleted during summer vacation season and boost supplies before the upcoming holiday season,” stated Sharyn Whitman, CEO of the Indiana-Ohio Region.

“The blood products on the shelves today are what help save lives in an emergency. Blood and platelets can come only from generous volunteer donors,” she stated. “Blood is a perishable product. Red blood cells have a shelf life of only 42 days and platelets just five days, so they must be replenished constantly — there simply is no substitute.”

Whitman added that donors of all blood types are currently needed to donate blood, adding that all blood types are currently in great demand.

Come to donate in October and be entered to win a $200 Visa gift card, courtesy of Suburban Propane.

Upcoming Red Cross blood drives include:

  • Wednesday, Oct. 16, from 3 p.m. until 7 p.m. at Anytime Fitness, located at 59 Pine Lake Ave. in LaPorte.
  • Saturday, Oct. 19, from 10 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. at Christ Church in the Lobby, located at 531 Washington St. in Michigan City.
  • Thursday, Oct. 24, from 12:30 p.m. until 6 p.m. at Center of LaCrosse in the Hall, located at 100 S. Washington in LaCrosse.
  • Friday, Oct. 25, from 8 a.m. until noon at Franciscan St. Anthony Health, located at 301 W. Homer St. in Michigan City.
  • Monday, Oct. 28, 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.
  • Thursday, Oct. 31, from noon until 4:30 p.m. at First Trust Credit Union, located at 950 East Highway 20 in Michigan City.

 

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 visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.