A time to recognize and encourage blood donations
Each June 14th countries around the world celebrate World Blood Donor Day. This year marks the 10th anniversary of the campaign which is sponsored by the World Health Organization to raise awareness of the need for safe blood and to thank voluntary unpaid donors for their lifesaving gifts of blood.
“Blood transfusions help save millions of lives worldwide every year,” said Tracy Duncan Fox, Spokesperson for the Indiana-Ohio Blood Services Region of the American Red Cross. “An adequate blood supply can be assured only through regular donations by voluntary unpaid blood donors. World Blood Donor Day offers a special opportunity to honor those who donate blood in our communities and encourage others to join them by donating blood through the American Red Cross.”
According to the World Health Organization, just 62 countries have blood supplies that are based on close to 100 percent voluntary unpaid blood donations and 40 countries still dependent on family donors and even paid donors. The organization’s goal is for all countries to obtain all their blood supplies from voluntary unpaid donors by 2020.
“On World Blood Day and every day someone in the U.S. needs blood every two seconds,” said Fox. “The generosity of America’s volunteer blood donors helps ensure that patients across the nation will have the blood they need, when they need it.”
UPCOMING AMERICAN RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVES IN YOUR AREA:
- Sunday, June 2, from 9:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. at the American Legion Post 295 in the Hall, located at 4205 West CR 800 South in Union Mills. Come to donate and receive a cooler tote bag. This blood drive is sponsored by the Conservation Club House.
- Tuesday, June 4, from noon until 6 p.m. at St. John’s United Church of God in the Fellowship Hall, located at 101 St. John Road in Michigan City.
- Saturday, June 8, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the Salvation Army in the Large Room, located at 3240 Monroe St. in LaPorte.
- Monday, June 10, from noon until 6 p.m. at the First Church of God in the gymnasium, located at 2020 E. Lincolnway in LaPorte.
- Monday, June 10, from 2 p.m. until 6 p.m. at Evergreen Baptist Church in the gymnasium, located at 2005 E. Coolspring Ave. in Michigan City.
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.