American Red Cross urges donations during heart of summer
America’s blood supply is an important piece of our country’s ability to respond to disasters. By donating blood, people can help prepare for the unexpected and help ensure blood is available when and where it’s needed.
“Any disaster, man-made or natural, can result in people being injured and needing blood,” said Sharyn Whitman, CEO for the Indiana-Ohio Blood Services Region of the American Red Cross. “While people often join together to help after a disaster, it’s just as important to be organized and prepared today for when disaster strikes.”
Making an appointment to donate blood during Disaster Education and Awareness Month this July is one way to help prepare for the unexpected. Another is to talk to friends and family about the importance of giving blood. A third is to consider volunteering at or sponsoring an American Red Cross blood drive.
Every day, hospitals need more than 44,000 blood donations for the care of serious diseases, accidents or trauma. And when disaster strikes, the need can be greater, depending on the severity and scope.
The Red Cross has the unique ability to move blood around the country through its National Inventory Management System, which helps meet patient need during times of disaster or shortages.
“Your blood donations through the American Red Cross help build a blood supply strong enough to meet everyday and emergency medical needs,” said Whitman. “It’s blood on the shelves today that helps save lives.”
UPCOMING AMERICAN RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVES IN YOUR AREA:
- Sunday, July 1, from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church in the gymnasium, located at 3401 N. Valparaiso St. in Valparaiso.
- Monday, July 2, from noon until 6 p.m. at Immanuel Lutheran Church in the Cafeteria, located at 1700 N. Monticello Dr. in Valparaiso.
- Friday, July 6, from 1 p.m. until 6 p.m. at Porter Hospital Valparaiso Campus, located at 814 LaPorte Ave. in Valparaiso.
- Monday, July 9, from 1 p.m. until 7 p.m. at St. Teresa of Avila in the Catholic Student Center, located at 1604 Lincolnway in Valparaiso.
- Monday, July 9, from 2 p.m. until 4:30 p.m. at Porter Starke Services, located at 701 Wall St. in Valparaiso. Please email hrsb@porterstarke.org to schedule your blood donation appointment.
- Tuesday, July 10, from 2 p.m. until 8 p.m. at Franciscan Omni Health and Fitness in the Fitness Center, located at 810 Michael Drive in Chesterton.
- Wednesday, July 11, from 2 p.m. until 7 p.m. at the First Christian Church in the Fellowship Hall, located at 1507 Glendale Blvd. in Valparaiso.
- Wednesday, July 11, from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. at Opportunity Enterprises in the Meeting Room, located at 2801 Evans Ave. in Valparaiso. Please call 464-9621 ext. 218 to schedule your blood donation appointment.
- Thursday, July 12, from 3 p.m. until 7 p.m. at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in the Foyer/SS Room, located at 505 Bullseye Lake Road in Valparaiso.
- Friday, July 13, from 8:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. at City Hall, located at 166 Lincolnway in Valparaiso.
- Saturday, July 14, from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m. at Harbor SuperStores, located at 6100 U.S. Highway 6 in Portage. Please call (219) 771-7760 to schedule your blood donation appointment.
- Saturday, July 14, from 8:30 a.m. until 11 a.m. at Walmart, located at 6087 U.S. Highway 6 in Portage.
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 more than 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