Blood Donations Carry Special Meaning for Memorial Day

RedCrossLogoWhile Memorial Day may signal the unofficial start of summer, the holiday’s true meaning is inescapable for those wishing to honor members of the United States Armed Forces.

Making a blood donation through your American Red Cross is one way to pay homage to the service men and women who protect and defend our nation. Coming to donate blood before, during or after the long weekend can also help strengthen and maintain America’s blood supply for the summer season.

Your blood donation this time of year works as both a tribute and a testament to our nation’s armed forces,” Sharyn Whitman, CEO for the Indiana-Ohio Blood Services Region of the American Red Cross. “By rolling up your sleeve, you’ll honor those who dedicate their lives to others, and you’ll give the gift of life to help others in need.”

Day in and day out, hospital patients need blood for emergency and ongoing care related to serious illness, accident or trauma. In fact, every two seconds, someone in American needs blood. But while that need is constant, the number of people donating blood isn’t. Blood donors may travel, start new routines, or simply overlook donating blood—especially during the summer when people spend more time doing recreational or seasonal activities.

We understand many people are simply motivated by the desire to honor others and to help save lives,” said Whitman. “Please give blood this Memorial Day weekend.”

Come to donate May 1 through May 31 and be entered into a region-wide monthly drawing for a $500 gasoline gift card.

UPCOMING AMERICAN RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVES IN YOUR AREA:

  • Wednesday, May 16, from noon until 6 p.m. at the American Legion in the Hall, located at 5675 Mulberry Ave. in Portage.
  • Wednesday, May 16, from 2 p.m. until 7 p.m. at the First Christian Church in the Fellowship Hall, located at 1507 Glendale Blvd. in Valparaiso.
  • Saturday, May 19, from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the Boys & Girls Club of Porter County in the Small Gymnasium, located at 354 Jefferson St. in Valparaiso.
  • Wednesday, May 23, from 1 p.m. until 6 p.m. at Arnell Motors, located at 241 Melton Road in Burns Harbor. Please email rvenhuizen@arnellmotors.com or go to redcrossblood.org to schedule your blood donation appointment.
  • Wednesday, May 23, from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m. at Washington Township High School in the Media Room & Library, located at 381 East SR 2 in Valparaiso. Come to donate and receive an American Red Cross Water Bottle.
  • Thursday, May 24, from 11 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. at Rittenhouse Senior Living, located at 1300 Vale Park Road in Valparaiso.
  • Thursday, May 24, from 3:30 p.m. until 6:30 p.m. at Central Christian Church, located at 1808 Campbell St. in Valparaiso. This is a Power in the Blood interfaith initiative which aims to bring together groups of all beliefs to help the community maintain the supply of donated blood.
  • Tuesday, May 29, from 2:30 p.m. until 6:30 p.m. at Faith Memorial Lutheran Church, located at 753 N. Calumet in Valparaiso.
  • Wednesday, May 30, from 2 p.m. until 6 p.m. at the YMCA, located at 1201 Cumberland Crossing Drive in Valparaiso.
  • Thursday, May 31, from noon until 6 p.m. at St. Paul Lutheran Church in the Meeting Hall, located at 106 East 1100 North in Chesterton.

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 60 hospitals. In addition to supplying nearly half of the nation’s blood, the American Red Cross teaches lifesaving skills, provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a charitable organization—not a government agency—and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission.