Get Started on Summer: Donate Blood

RedCrossIndianaOhioLogo TopNeed for blood doesn’t end when summer vacation begins

With summer around the corner, and the end of the school year in sight, new and eligible blood donors are urged to help strengthen the blood supply by volunteering to give in the next few weeks.

While summer signals rest and relaxation for a lot of us, it’s also a time we can work together to ensure blood is there for hospital patients,” said Sharyn Whitman, CEO for the Indiana-Ohio Blood Services Region of the American Red Cross.

Low blood supplies are typical from late May through September because regular donors and their families become busy with summer fun and may neglect to donate blood. At the same time, blood needs rise as increased roadway and travel-related accidents drain supplies—particularly during high travel weekends like Memorial Day. Someone seriously injured in an automobile accident, for instance, may need up to 40 units of blood for their emergency care.

Every day, patients across the U.S. need an average of 38,000 units of blood. And while that need doesn’t change with the season, the American Red Cross typically sees a dip in blood donations during the summer months. That dip, Red Cross officials say, is partly due to high school and college students being on summer break, and not giving through regularly scheduled school drives. About 20 percent of the blood supply is donated by high school and college students.

The need for blood never takes a vacation,” said Whitman. “We’re asking all eligible donors—including students--to remember the countless adults and children in need of blood, and to make donating blood part of their summer activities.”

From May 28 to June 2 donors who give blood through the INDIANA-OHIO BLOOD SERVICES REGION of the American Red Cross will RECEIVE A COOLER TOTE BAG in celebration of Memorial Day.

UPCOMING AMERICAN RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVES IN YOUR AREA:

  • Friday, May 17, from 7 a.m. until 1 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.
  • Saturday, May 18, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at St. Andrews by the Lake Episcopal Church in the Commons Room, located at 1007 Moore Road in Michigan City.
  • Monday, May 20, from 1 p.m. until 6 p.m. at St. John Kanty in the Hall, located at 7012 North 600 East in Rolling Prairie.
  • Tuesday, May 21, from 1:30 p.m. until 5:30 p.m. at Kingsford Heights Elementary School in the gymnasium, located at 460 Evanston Road in Kingsford Heights. This is a Pint Size Heroes blood drive.
  • Thursday, May 23, from 1:45 p.m. until 6 p.m. at LaPorte High School in the Small Gymnasium, located at 602 F St. in LaPorte. Come to donate and receive an American Red Cross water bottle. Please go to redcrossblood.org and enter sponsor code “laphs” to schedule your blood donation appointment.
  • Tuesday, May 28, from 1 p.m. until 6 p.m. at Bethany Lutheran Church in the Hall, located at 102 G Street in LaPorte.
  • Tuesday, May 28, from 1:20 p.m. until 6 p.m. at Joy Elementary School in the Large Group Instruction Room, located at 1600 E. Coolspring Ave. in Michigan City. This is a Pint Size Heroes blood drive.
  • Wednesday, May 29, from 2:30 p.m. until 6:30 p.m. at Wanatah Christian Church in the gymnasium, located at U.S. Highway 30 and 1100 West in Wanatah. Come to donate and receive an insulated black Red Cross tote bag.
  • Thursday, May 30, from 3 p.m. until 7 p.m. at Immanuel Lutheran Church in the Fellowship Hall, located at 1237 E. Coolspring Ave. in Michigan City. Come to donate and receive an insulated black Red Cross tote bag.
  • Thursday, May 30, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at Arbors of Michigan City, located at 1101 Coolspring in Michigan City. Come to donate and receive an insulated black Red Cross tote bag.

 

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. 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