Donating blood has never been more social. 
With a presence on Facebook, You Tube, Twitter and Flickr, the American Red Cross provides an array of electronic opportunity for blood donors to build a virtual community. Donors, too, can subscribe to blogs, view photostreams, participate in professional networking services, and listen to podcasts.
“Our online presence is growing,” said Sharyn Whitman, CEO for the Indiana-Ohio Blood Services Region of the American Red Cross. “Now, most anywhere you go, virtual or not, you’ll find people sharing stories and information about giving blood through the American Red Cross.”
Those wishing to strengthen their Red Cross connections can start by visiting the humanitarian organization’s newly re-tooled Blood Services website. Links and portals provide easy navigation to various social networking and information sites, as well as to details on local blood drives and events.
“The Red Cross Blood Services website provides a place to access information and all our social networking tools,” said Whitman. “We encourage the public to connect with us online and build a virtual conversation about blood donation.”
Networking isn’t something new to the American Red Cross. Comprised of 36 blood regions across the U.S., Red Cross Blood Services are well-versed in sharing resources and distributing blood from region to region and to areas of greatest need.
“Social media allows blood donors, sponsors and volunteers to connect with each other in a new way,” said Whitman. “After all, we are an organization for, by and about people.”
To check out the various information and social media sites available through the American Red Cross, check out redcrossblood.org or join the conversation on Facebook at facebook.com/redcrossblood.
UPCOMING AMERICAN RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVES IN YOUR AREA:
- Tuesday, Aug. 17, from 2 p.m. until 7 p.m. at Liberty Bible Church in the basement, located at 824 N. Calumet Ave. in Chesterton.
- Monday, Aug. 23, from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. at Opportunity Enterprises in the Meeting Room, located at 2801 Evans Ave. in Valparaiso. Come to donate and receive an American Red Cross stadium seat cushion. Please call 464-9621, ext. 218 to schedule your blood donation appointment.
- Saturday, Aug. 28, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at Range Line Presbyterian Church, located at 18095 Clay St. in Hebron. Please call 746-5719 to schedule your blood donation appointment. This is a Power in the Blood interfaith initiative which aims to bring together groups of all beliefs to help the community maintain the supply of donated blood. Come to donate and receive a free lunch courtesy of Range Line Presbyterian Church.
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.