Memorial Day Blood Donations Needed to Help Save Lives

Public urged to jumpstart summer by giving blood

While many people mark Memorial Day by marching in parades or flying flags, more and more people are honoring U.S. service men and women by donating blood through the American Red Cross.

“Donating blood around Memorial Day is a way you can honor U.S. service men and women who gave their lives to defend our nation,” said Sharyn Whitman, CEO for the Indiana-Ohio Blood Services Region of the American Red Cross. “Your donation will also help strengthen the blood supply during a time of year when blood can be in high demand.”

Every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood. While that need is constant, the number of people donating can vary, particularly during summer. Slumps in blood donations are typical from May through September since donors may fill their calendars with seasonal activities and overlook giving blood.

To help increase donation activity during the summer, the Red Cross is bringing back Red Cross Racing for a third season. This online donor rewards program encourages more people to give blood and asks eligible donors to give more often. The program recognizes the importance of frequent donations by offering rewards for blood donation activities. Donors can visit redcrossracing.com to schedule and report blood donations, view points, exchange points for rewards and encourage friends to donate blood. Donors can also take part in Fantasy Racing and start or join a team.

“Red Cross Racing is just one more way we can say thanks for helping to save lives,” said Whitman. “We’d like everyone who can to jumpstart summer and join the race where everyone wins.”

Come to donate May 8-21 and be entered into a region-wide drawing to win a $250 Shopping Spree!

UPCOMING AMERICAN RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVES IN YOUR AREA:

• Sunday, May 2, from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. at Washington Township Volunteer Fire Department, located at 380 East SR 2 in Valparaiso.
  
• Monday, May 3, from 12 noon until 6 p.m. at Calvary Church in the gymnasium, located at 1325 E. Evans in Valparaiso.
  
• Wednesday, May 5, from 1 p.m. until 6 p.m. at Arnell Motors, located at 241 Melton Road in Burns Harbor. Come to donate and receive a coupon for a free hamburger from Schoops in Portage. Please call 787-5484 to schedule your blood donation appointment.
• Friday, May 7, 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 7, from 1 p.m. until 6 p.m. at Porter Hospital Valparaiso Campus in the Patio Room, located at 814 LaPorte Ave. in Valparaiso.
  
• Monday, May 10, from 12 noon until 6 p.m. at Portage Christian School, located at 3040 Arlene St. in Portage. This is a Pint Size Heroes blood drive.
  
• Monday, May 10, from 3 p.m. until 7 p.m. at Willowcreek Middle School, located at 5962 Central Ave. in Portage. This is a Pint Size Heroes blood drive.
• Tuesday, May 11, from 2 p.m. until 7 p.m. at Liberty Bible Church, located at 824 N. Calumet Ave. in Chesterton.
  
• Wednesday, May 12, from 2 p.m. until 7 p.m. at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church, located at 509 W. Division Road in Valparaiso.
  
• Thursday, May 13, from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. at South Haven Elementary School, located at 395 Midway Drive in Valparaiso. This is a Pint Size Heroes blood drive.
  
• Thursday, May 13, from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. at the Boys and Girls Club in the small gymnasium, located at 354 Jefferson St. in Valparaiso. Please call 241-8401 or go to redcrossblood.org to schedule your blood donation appointment. This blood drive is sponsored by Red Day 2010 – KW Cares Keller Williams Realty Leaders.
  
• Friday, May 14, from 11:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. at the YMCA of Portage, located at 3100 Willowcreek Road in Portage. Please e-mail Steve.Beach@porterhealth.com to schedule your blood donation appointment.
  
• Saturday, May 15, from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. at the Boys and Girls Club in the small gymnasium, located at 354 Jefferson St. in Valparaiso.

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.