If the last decade is any indication, people worldwide rely on humanitarian aid during times of great need. And that’s where the American Red Cross comes in.
For 130 years, the American Red Cross has helped individuals and families prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies. And each spring, the U.S. President acknowledges the American Red Cross and encourages volunteerism by issuing a proclamation that declares March as Red Cross Month.
“We’re proud of our history and the volunteers, employees and supporters who make our mission possible,” said Sharyn Whitman, CEO for the Indiana-Ohio Blood Services Region of the American Red Cross. “That’s why we make a special time each year to celebrate their contributions, and to welcome more community members as Red Cross volunteers.”
In 1881, 60-year-old Clara Barton broadened the scope of the Red Cross from an organization that provided relief to wounded military members to one that provided relief to disaster victims, too. And for a half-century or more, the Red Cross has operated a national blood distribution system which enables the organization to quickly send blood anywhere it’s needed after meeting local needs first.
Today, Red Cross Month celebrates Red Cross volunteers in areas like blood donation, disaster relief, health and safety training, and support to military members and their families. The Indiana-Ohio Blood Services Region is among 36 Red Cross Blood Regions nationwide. Each year, those Regions work together to collect more than 6 million units of blood from about 4 million volunteer donors.
“March is a time we say thank you to Red Cross volunteers for the contributions they make to our nation and the world,” said Whitman. “Whether you choose to give blood, volunteer your time, or support Red Cross programs and services, you’ll feel good knowing you’re helping to change lives, starting with your own.”
UPCOMING AMERICAN RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVES IN YOUR AREA:
- Thursday, March 17, from 3:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. at Crisman Elementary School in the gymnasium, located at 6161 Old Porter Road in Portage. Please call 763-8020 to schedule your blood donation appointment. This is a Pint Size Heroes blood drive.
- Friday, March 18, from 2 p.m. until 7 p.m. at First United Methodist Church of Portage in the Fellowship Hall, located at 2637 McCool Road in Portage.
- Tuesday, March 22, from 2 p.m. until 8 p.m. at Duneland Health and Wellness in the Fitness Center, located at 810 Michael Drive in Chesterton.
- Tuesday, March 22, from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. at Ivy Tech Community College, located at 3100 Ivy Tech Drive in Valparaiso.
- Wednesday, March 23, from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. at Ivy Tech Community College in the South Commons, located at 3100 Ivy Tech Drive in Valparaiso. Please email agabbertstrang@ivytech.edu to schedule your blood donation appointment.
- Monday, March 28, from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. at St. Peter Lutheran Church in the Social Hall, located at 6540 Central Ave. in Portage.
- Tuesday, March 29, from 2 p.m. until 7 p.m. at The Gathering Place in the Meeting Room, located at 131 N. Main St. in Hebron.
- Tuesday, March 29, from noon until 6 p.m. at Valparaiso University in Harre Union Ballrooms B & C, located at 1509 Campus Drive in Valparaiso. Come to donate and be entered into a drawing for a $100 shopping spree. Please go to redcrossblood.org and enter sponsor code “valpo” to schedule your blood donation appointment.
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.