Community members nation-wide can pledge their allegiance to others in need - volunteer to give blood and help save lives this Fourth of July. 
“Your blood donation is a sign of independence in its purest sense,” said Sharyn Whitman, CEO for the Indiana-Ohio Blood Services Region of the American Red Cross. “When you think of it, you’re giving of yourself so someone sick or injured may have the ability to be with people they love.”
Giving blood around July 4th helps strengthen America’s blood supply during the heart of summer. Blood donations typically decrease in July and around traditional vacation times as some donors focus on summer activities and may overlook donating blood.
Every two seconds, someone in America needs blood. Sick and injured adults and children need red cells, platelets or plasma for scheduled and emergency surgeries, for the treatment of diseases like cancer, and for care related to accidents and trauma. Someone injured in a serious accident may need up to 100 pints of blood to help save their life.
“Your blood donation helps ensure that hospital patients have the blood they need when they need it,” said Whitman, “What greater gift of independence can you give than the gift of life?”
Come to donate July 1 – July 9 and receive an American Red Cross stadium seat cushion!
UPCOMING AMERICAN RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVES IN YOUR AREA:
- Thursday, July 1, from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. at HealthLinc, located at 454 S. College Ave. in Valparaiso.
- Thursday, July 1, from 4 p.m. until 6:30 p.m. at Central Christian Church, located at 1808 Campbell St. in Valparaiso.
- Friday, July 2, from 1 p.m. until 6 p.m. at Porter Hospital Valparaiso Campus in the Patio Room, located at 814 LaPorte Ave. in Valparaiso.
- Wednesday, July 7, from 1 p.m. until 6 p.m. at Arnell Motors, located at 241 Melton Road in Burns Harbor. Please email crc3@arnellmotors.com to schedule your blood donation appointment.
- Friday, July 9, from 8:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. at City Hall, located at 166 Lincolnway in Valparaiso.
- Sunday, July 11, from 12 noon until 4 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, located at 3401 N. Valparaiso St. in Valparaiso.
- Monday, July 12, from 12 noon until 6 p.m. at Immanuel Lutheran Church in the Fellowship Lobby, located at 1700 N. Monticello Drive in Valparaiso.
- Monday, July 12, from 1 p.m. until 7 p.m. at St. Teresa of Avila in the Community Room, located at 1511 LaPorte Ave. in Valparaiso.
- Wednesday, July 14, from 2 p.m. until 7 p.m. at First Christian Church in the Fellowship Hall, located at 1507 Glendale Blvd. in Valparaiso.
- Thursday, July 15, from 2 p.m. until 7 p.m. at St. Mary’s Church in the Fellowship Hall, located at 402 E. Indiana Ave. in Kouts.
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. 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 more than 60 hospitals. In addition to providing blood to our community, the American Red Cross also provides relief to victims of disaster, trains millions in lifesaving skills, serves as a communication link between U.S. military members and their families, and assists victims of international disasters or conflicts.