Make the Resolution of a Lifetime: Donate Blood

While many New Year’s resolutions go by the wayside, one resolution can last a lifetime: donating blood.

“When you resolve to donate blood in the coming year, you’re committing to something that can help change lives—including your own,” said Sharyn Whitman, CEO for the Indiana-Ohio Blood Services Region of the American Red Cross.

A single whole blood donation may help save the lives of up to three people, and may be given through Red Cross blood drives at schools, churches, community centers, businesses and other organizations. Every day, hospital patients need blood products such as red cells, platelets and plasma for the treatment of cancer and serious diseases, as well as for emergency and trauma care. Last year, nearly 5 million people needed blood transfusions. And that need, Red Cross officials say, will be constant as an aging population and advances in medical care place demands on the need for blood.

Consistent and steady blood donations are needed year-round to meet patient need. And while the need for blood is constant, blood donations can sometimes slump. Collecting blood during the winter, for instance, often presents a challenge since cold and snowy weather can sometimes prevent donors from making and keeping appointments.

“Your donation is needed and may give someone another day, another week, another life to spend with loved ones and friends,” said Whitman. “That’s a New Year’s resolution worth keeping.”

UPCOMING AMERICAN RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVES IN YOUR AREA:
Wednesday, Dec. 30, from 2 p.m. until 7 p.m. at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church in the Community Room, located at 509 W. Division Road in Valparaiso.
Sunday, Jan. 3, from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. at the Nativity of our Savior in the Fellowship Hall, located at 2949 Willowcreek Road in Portage. This is both a Community and Pint Size Heroes blood drive. Please call 762-4858 to schedule your blood donation appointment.
Friday, Jan. 8, from 2:30 p.m. until 6:30 p.m. at Our Lady of Sorrows, located at 356 W. 700 N. in Valparaiso.
Friday, Jan. 8, from 1 p.m. until 6 p.m. at Porter Hospital Valparaiso Campus, located at 814 LaPorte Ave. in Valparaiso.
Monday, Jan. 11, from 12 noon until 6 p.m. at St. Paul Catholic Church in the Church Social Hall, located at 1855 W. Harrison Blvd. in Valparaiso. This is a church, community and Pint Size Heroes blood drive.
Tuesday, Jan. 12, from 2 p.m. until 7 p.m. at Liberty Bible Church, located at 824 N. Calumet Ave. in Chesterton.
Wednesday, Jan. 13, from 1 p.m. until 6 p.m. at Arnell Motors, located at 241 Melton Road in Burns Harbor. Please call 787-9200 to schedule your blood donation appointment.

How to Donate Blood
To schedule an appointment to donate please call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE (1-800-448-3543) 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.