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 almost 200 countries which collectively assist more than 200 million beneficiaries each year. Catastrophic events, like last year’s earthquake and tsunami in 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.

Come to donate now through May 31 and be entered into a region-wide drawing to win a free $500 gas gift card.

UPCOMING AMERICAN RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVES IN YOUR AREA:

  • Tuesday, May 1, from 2 p.m. until 7 p.m. at The Gathering Place in the Meeting Room, located at 131 N. Main St. in Hebron.
  • Wednesday, May 2, from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. at Opportunity Enterprises in the Meeting Room, located at 2801 Evans Ave. in Valparaiso.
  • Friday, May 4, 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.
  • Friday, May 4, from 1 p.m. until 6 p.m. at Porter Hospital Valparaiso Campus, located at 814 LaPorte Ave. in Valparaiso.
  • Friday, May 4, from 11:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. at the YMCA of Portage in the Aerobics Room, located at 3100 Willowcreek Road in Portage. Please email egonzalez@comhs.org to schedule your blood donation appointment.
  • Saturday, May 5, from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. at Smile Brightly, located at 6080 Lute Road in Portage.
  • Monday, May 7, from noon until 6 p.m. at Calvary Church in The Well, located at 1325 E. Evans in Valparaiso.
  • Tuesday, May 8, from 2 p.m. until 7 p.m. at Liberty Bible Church in the gymnasium, located at 824 N. Calumet Ave. in Chesterton.
  • Friday, May 11, 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. Come to donate and receive an American Red Cross water bottle.
  • Friday, May 11, from 3 p.m. until 7 p.m. at Portage Avenue Baptist Church in the Sanctuary Room, located at 6605 Portage Ave. in Portage.
  • Friday, May 11, from 1 p.m. until 5 p.m. at Harris Bank, located at 502 East 1100 North in Chesterton.
  • Saturday, May 12, from noon until 6 p.m. at Duneland YMCA in the gymnasium, located at 215 Roosevelt Road in Chesterton. This blood drive is held In Honor of Phoenix Bridegroom.
  • Monday, May 14, from 1 p.m. until 7 p.m. at St. Teresa of Avila in the Catholic Student Center, located at 1604 Lincolnway in Valparaiso.
  • Tuesday, May 15, from 1:30 p.m. until 6:30 p.m. at Portage Christian School, located at 3040 Arlene St. in Portage.
  • Tuesday, May 15, from 3:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. at Porter Lakes Elementary School in the Cafeteria, located at 208 South 725 West in Hebron.
  • Tuesday, May 15, from 2 p.m. until 8 p.m. at Franciscan Omni Health & Fitness in the Fitness Center, located at 810 Michael Drive in Chesterton.

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. In addition to supplying nearly half of the nation’s blood, the American Red Cross teaches lifesaving skills, provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a charitable organization—not a government agency—and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission.