American Red Cross encourages blood donations for spring break
Although your sights may be set on warmer locales for spring break, you can bring sunshine and warmth to your life by simply volunteering to give blood or platelets through the American Red Cross.
“We know very few things compare to a burst of tropical sunshine after winter,” said Sharyn Whitman, CEO for the Indiana-Ohio Blood Services Region of the American Red Cross. “But we hear time and again about the good feeling people get when they realize they can help save a life by donating blood.”
Every day of every week, people need blood for emergency and ongoing medical care. It’s a need, Red Cross officials say, that doesn’t take a break, despite the season. About 44,000 blood donations are needed daily by hospital patients undergoing treatment for serious diseases like cancer and sickle cell, for surgery, and for trauma and burn care.
The challenge, Red Cross officials say, is that while blood needs are constant, blood donors sometimes take a break. Blood donors who would otherwise give may wait until later to make an appointment. Popular donation sites like schools, colleges and universities also typically avoid scheduling blood drives during spring break times, which can further erode blood donation opportunities. The Red Cross depends on student-age blood donors for about 20 percent of the community blood supply.
“Collecting blood from volunteer donors isn’t something that can be put on hold or caught up on later since the need for blood is constant,” said Whitman. “We’d like everyone who can to consider donating blood now or in the next few weeks to celebrate spring. It could be a great way to renew yourself, and to bring the gift of life to someone in need.”
UPCOMING AMERICAN RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVES IN YOUR AREA:
- Tuesday, April 17, from 2 p.m. until 6:30 p.m. at Valparaiso University School of Law, at 656 Greenwich St. in Valparaiso.
- Thursday, April 19, from 2 p.m. until 6 p.m. at Morgan Township High School, located at 299 S. SR 49 in Valparaiso. This is a Pint Size Hero Blood Drive. Come to donate at receive a coupon for a pint of frozen custard.
- Monday, April 23, from 1 p.m. until 7 p.m. at Boone Grove Elementary in the Gymnasium, located at 325 W. 550 S. in Boone Grove. This is a Pint Size Hero Blood Drive.
- Tuesday, April 24, from 3 p.m. until 7 p.m. at Benjamin Franklin Middle School in the Auditorium, located at 605 Campbell St. in Valparaiso. This is a Pint Size Hero Blood Drive. Come to donate at receive a coupon for a pint of frozen custard.
- Sunday, April 29, from 8 a.m. until noon at the Washington Township Volunteer Fire Station, located at 380 E. State Road 2 in Valparaiso.
- Monday, April 30, from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. at St Peter Lutheran Church in Kitchen and Social Hall, located at 6540 Central Ave. in Portage.
- Monday, April 30, from 2 p.m. until 7 p.m. at Cooks Corner Elementary School in the Cafeteria/Gym, located at 358 Bullseye Lake Rd. in Valparaiso. This is a Pint Size Hero blood drive.
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.