Absence makes the heart grow fonder, except when you’re talking about blood donors.
Every day, hospital patients depend on steady and consistent blood donations from volunteer donors for the blood they may need for ongoing and emergency medical care. And with February being American Heart Month, it’s a great time to put your heart into a worthwhile cause: helping to build the nation’s blood supply through your American Red Cross.
“Your blood donation helps in so many ways,” said Sharyn Whitman, CEO for the Indiana-Ohio Blood Services Region of the American Red Cross. “By rolling up your sleeve, you’ll help strengthen the blood supply during the cold, wintry months. And you’ll draw attention to heart health, too.”
Since 1963, the President of the United States has proclaimed February as American Heart Month. And while February is just one of 12 months, matters of the heart are worthy of attention year-round.
Heart disease is one of the top health concerns among most ethnic groups in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. With increased awareness, many Americans are taking steps to prevent and control factors that put them at greater risk for heart disease, including making simple lifestyle changes and taking prescribed medications.
People who take medications to control blood pressure and cholesterol aren’t necessarily deferred from donating blood. And donors who have experienced angina, heart attacks, or heart surgeries, may also be eligible to give blood as long as they have been approved by their health care provider, are symptom-free, and have not had a heart-related incident in six months.
“We’re hoping more people, young and old alike, have a heart and come give blood this February,” said Sharyn Whitman. “Some patients with heart disease often need blood for important surgeries, so if you’re healthy and can give, your donation can make a difference.”
UPCOMING AMERICAN RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVES IN YOUR AREA:
- Friday, Feb. 3, from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m. at Porter Hospital Valparaiso Campus in the Patio Room, located at 814 LaPorte Ave. in Valparaiso.
- Saturday, Feb. 4, from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m. at Washington Evangelical Free Church in the gymnasium, located at 3805 LaPorte Ave. in Valparaiso. 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.
- Monday, Feb. 6, from noon until 6 p.m. at the Eagles Lodge in the Social Hall, located at 805 Elm St. in Valparaiso. Come to donate and receive a t-shirt.
- Tuesday, Feb. 7, from 6 a.m. until 9 a.m. at the Midwest Center for Youth and Families, located at 1012 W. Indiana St. in Kouts.
- Wednesday, Feb. 8, from 2 p.m. until 6 p.m. at the YMCA, located at 1201 Cumberland Crossing Drive in Valparaiso.
- Thursday, Feb. 9, from noon until 6 p.m. at St. Paul Lutheran Church in the Meeting Hall, located at 106 East 1100 North in Chesterton.
- Tuesday, Feb. 14, from 7:45 a.m. until 1:15 p.m. at Chesterton High School in the gymnasium, located at 2125 S. 11th St. in Chesterton. Come to donate and receive a Sports First Aid Kit.
- Wednesday, Feb. 15, from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. at Ivy Tech Community College, located at 3100 Ivy Tech Drive in Valparaiso. Come to donate and be entered into a $25 Visa gift card drawing.
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 more than 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.