Start the New Year Off Right: Donate Blood
Many New Year’s resolutions focus on breaking bad habits. Why not take up a positive habit instead?
By resolving to donate blood or platelets in the coming year, you can help save the lives of the one out of 10 hospital patients who need blood for emergency or ongoing medical care. What’s more, your frequent donations through the American Red Cross can help keep the nation’s blood supply strong and ensure that blood is available anywhere and anytime it’s needed.
“A resolution to donate blood in the New Year works on so many levels,” said Sharyn Whitman, CEO for the Indiana-Ohio Blood Services Region of the American Red Cross. “Your donation can make a difference to hospital patients, their family and friends, and the larger community. Your act of giving, too, can make you feel good about helping to save the day.”
When you donate through the Red Cross, you’ll join about 4 million blood donors nationwide in a lifesaving cause. Blood is used for the treatment of cancer patients, people with blood disorders, premature infants, transplant recipients, trauma victims and more. And while most of us will probably know someone in our lifetime who needs blood, just 38 percent of people are eligible to give.
“Blood donors help provide the gift of life for patients with serious medical needs,” said Whitman. “When you come to give blood, you’re performing a vital community service that only someone like you can do.”
Come to donate from Jan. 1 - 31 and be entered into a weekly region-wide drawing for a $250 Visa gift card! In addition, all donors from Dec. 20 through Jan. 31 will receive a coupon for a free donut from Dunkin’ Donuts.
UPCOMING AMERICAN RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVES IN YOUR AREA:
- Monday, Jan. 3, from noon until 6 p.m. at St. Paul Catholic Church in the Social Hall, located at 1855 W. Harrison Blvd. in Valparaiso. This is a Pint Size Heroes blood drive.
- Wednesday, Jan. 5, from 3 p.m. until 7 p.m. at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church in the Foyer/Sunday School Room, located at 505 Bullseye Lake Road in Valparaiso. Come to donate and be entered into a weekly region-wide drawing for a $250 Visa gift card!
- Thursday, Jan. 6, from 8 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. at Washington Township High School in the Media Room and Library, located at 381 East SR 2 in Valparaiso.
- Friday, Jan. 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.
- Friday, Jan. 7, from 2:30 p.m. until 6:30 p.m. at Our Lady of Sorrows in the Mancini Room, located at 356 West 700 North in Valparaiso.
- Monday, Jan. 10, from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. at Opportunity Enterprises in the Meeting Room, located at 2801 Evans Ave. in Valparaiso. Please call 464-9621, ext. 218 to schedule your blood donation appointment.
- Wednesday, Jan. 12, from 1 p.m. until 6 p.m. at Valparaiso Nazarene Church, located at 2702 Glendale Ave. in Valparaiso.
- Thursday, Jan. 13, from noon until 6 p.m. at St. Paul Lutheran Church in the Meeting Hall, located at 106 East 1100 North in Chesterton.
- Friday, Jan. 14, 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.
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.