March Is Red Cross Month – Public Encouraged to Donate Blood and Help Save Lives
March is the perfect time to give blood since March is Red Cross Month and the 60th Anniversary of the Indiana-Ohio Blood Services Region.
“Chances are, wherever you live or wherever you go, you’re likely to encounter someone whose life has been touched by blood donation through the Red Cross,” said Sharyn Whitman, CEO for the Indiana-Ohio Blood Services Region of the American Red Cross. “We’re proud to be an organization of people who band together to help their neighbors—be they next door or around the world.”
Red Cross officials say it’s easy to get involved in helping to effect change in your community. Volunteers can give blood, donate their time and talents, or make financial contributions. Nationwide, more than 500,000 volunteers make a difference through Red Cross services like blood donations, disaster relief, health and safety training, support to military members and families and international aid.
“If you’re wondering how you can make a difference, you can – through your American Red Cross,” said Whitman. “We offer countless opportunities for you to help save the day for someone in need.”
The Red Cross delivers humanitarian and community services through about 650 locally-supported Chapters, and collects blood through a network of 36 Blood Regions. In the last year, those Chapters responded to nearly 70,000 disasters, while Blood Regions distributed approximately 9 million blood products to about 3,000 hospitals across the country.
“Volunteer blood donors make it possible for us to supply lifesaving blood to those in need,” said Whitman. “We hope the public will donate blood this March in celebration of our region’s 60th anniversary and as a way to help others through the American Red Cross.”
UPCOMING AMERICAN RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVES IN YOUR AREA:
- Wednesday, March 2 from 2 p.m. until 7 p.m. at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church in the Community Room, located at 509 W. Division Road in Valparaiso. This blood drive is sponsored by the Knights of Columbus. This is a “Recovery 2011” blood drive.
- Thursday, March 3, from 8 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. at Washington Township High School in the Media Room & Library, located at 381 East SR 2 in Valparaiso. Come to donate and be entered into a drawing for a $100 gift card to Best Buy. This is a “Recovery 2011” blood drive.
- Friday, March 4, from 1 p.m. until 6 p.m. at Porter Hospital Valparaiso Campus in the Patio Room, located at 814 LaPorte Ave. in Valparaiso. This is a “Recovery 2011” blood drive. Friday, March 4, from 3 p.m. until 7 p.m. at Culver’s, located at 2101 LaPorte Ave. in Valparaiso. Come to donate and receive a pint of Culver’s frozen custard. Please call 531-9600 to schedule your blood donation appointment. This is a “Recovery 2011” blood drive.
- Monday, March 7, from noon until 6 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church in the gymnasium, located at 3401 N. Valparaiso St. in Valparaiso.
- Wednesday, March 9, from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. at Real Life Community Church in the Community Space, located at 3134 Swanson Road in Portage. Please email kspencer@reallifecc.org to schedule your blood donation appointment. Thursday, March 10, from noon until 6 p.m. at St. Paul Lutheran Church in the Meeting Hall, located at 106 East 1100 North in Chesterton.
- Thursday, March 10, from 3:30 p.m. until 6:30 p.m. at Central Christian Church, located at 1808 Campbell St. in Valparaiso.
- Thursday, March 10, from 11 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. at State Farm Insurance, located at 2602 Chicago St. in Valparaiso.
- Friday, March 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.
- Saturday, March 12, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the Boys & Girls Club South Haven Unit in the Small Gymnasium, located at 723 Long Run Road in Valparaiso. Monday, March 14, from 1 p.m. until 7 p.m. at St. Teresa of Avila at Café Manna, located at 1511 LaPorte Ave. 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.