Celebrate the Birth of a Movement by Donating Blood

RedCrossLogoWorld Red Cross Day is May 8

You can celebrate the birth of a movement and help others in need by coming to donate blood in early May.

May 8 marks World Red Cross Day, as well as the birthday of Henry Dunant, the founder of what is known today as the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. Dunant was a young Swiss businessman who advocated for the humane treatment of wartime sick and wounded. Dunant witnessed atrocities in 1859 during a bloody battle in Solferino, Italy, and organized local people to come to the aid of injured soldiers. Upon his return to Geneva, Dunant called for the creation of national volunteer relief societies to assist during wartime. His work pointed the way to the future Geneva Conventions, and the formation of Red Cross societies worldwide, including the American Red Cross.

We encourage everyone to help continue his legacy and help people in need, wherever they are,” said Sharyn Whitman, CEO for the Indiana-Ohio Blood Services Region of the American Red Cross. “Coming to donate blood to help hospital patients who need it for surgeries, cancer care, or to treat life-threatening accidents is one way you can help.”

The American Red Cross is among more than 180 Red Cross and Red Crescent societies around the world devoted to alleviating human suffering wherever it is found. The Red Cross works with partner societies in about 200 countries which have collectively mobilized more than 97 million volunteers to assist some 233 million beneficiaries each year. Recent catastrophic events in Haiti and Japan demonstrate the ability of the Red Cross network to provide relief during times of devastating need.

Dunant showed us that even when world events seem overwhelming, you can make a difference, simply by giving blood, volunteering or making a contribution through your American Red Cross,” said Whitman.

UPCOMING AMERICAN RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVES IN YOUR AREA:

  • Monday, May 2, from noon until 6 p.m. at Calvary Church in the Fellowship Hall, located at 1325 E. Evans Ave. in Valparaiso.
  • Thursday, May 5, from noon until 6 p.m. at St. Paul Lutheran Church in the Meeting Hall, located at 106 East 1100 North in Chesterton.
  • Friday, May 6, from 1 p.m. until 6 p.m. at Porter Hospital Valparaiso Campus in the Patio Room, located at 814 LaPorte Ave. in Valparaiso.
  • Friday, May 6, from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. at Porter County Career Center in the Health Education Classrooms, located at 1005 N. Franklin St. in Valparaiso.
  • Monday, May 9, from 1 p.m. until 7 p.m. at St. Teresa of Avila in Avila Hall, located at 1409 Lincolnway Ave. in Valparaiso.
  • Wednesday, May 11, from 1 p.m. until 6 p.m. at Arnell Motors, located at 241 Melton Road in Burns Harbor. Please call 787-5487 or email hilary.ledbetter@yahoo.com to schedule your blood donation appointment.
  • Friday, May 13, from 7:45 a.m. until 1:15 p.m. at Chesterton High School in the gymnasium, located at 2125 South 11th St. in Chesterton. Come to donate and receive an American Red Cross water bottle.

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. 03/11AP0233