Press release from the American Red Cross:
Make the resolution of a lifetime: donate blood
While many New Year’s resolutions go by the wayside, one resolution can last a lifetime: donating blood.“When you resolve to donate blood in the coming year, you’re committing to something that can help change lives—including your own,” said Sharyn Whitman, CEO for the Indiana-Ohio Blood Services Region of the American Red Cross.
A single whole blood donation may help save the lives of up to three people, and may be given through Red Cross blood drives at schools, churches, community centers, businesses and other organizations. Every day, hospital patients need blood products such as red cells, platelets and plasma for the treatment of cancer and serious diseases, as well as for emergency and trauma care. Last year, nearly 5 million people needed blood transfusions. And that need, Red Cross officials say, will be constant as an aging population and advances in medical care place demands on the need for blood.
Consistent and steady blood donations are needed year-round to meet patient need. And while the need for blood is constant, blood donations can sometimes slump. Collecting blood during the winter, for instance, often presents a challenge since cold and snowy weather can sometimes prevent donors from making and keeping appointments.
“Your donation is needed and may give someone another day, another week, another life to spend with loved ones and friends,” said Whitman. “That’s a New Year’s resolution worth keeping.”
UPCOMING AMERICAN RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVES IN YOUR AREA:
- Thursday, Jan. 7, from 3 p.m. until 7 p.m. at Precious Blood Catholic Church, located at 1515 Barthold St. in Fort Wayne. Please call 760-8400 to schedule your blood donation appointment.
- Thursday, Jan. 7, from 12:30 p.m. until 3:30 p.m. at Fort Financial Credit Union, located at 3102 Spring St. in Fort Wayne.
- Friday, Jan. 8, from 8 a.m. until 11 a.m. at Walmart Chapel Ridge, located at 10420 Maysville Road in Fort Wayne.
- Friday, Jan. 8, from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m. at Sears, located at 4201 Coldwater Road in Fort Wayne.
- Saturday, Jan. 9, from 8 a.m. until 12 noon at the United Methodist Church of the Covenant, located at 10001 Coldwater Road in Fort Wayne. Please call 438-2801 to schedule your blood donation appointment.
- Monday, Jan. 11, from 2 p.m. until 8 p.m. at Grabill Missionary Church, located at 13637 State St. in Grabill. Please call 1-800-860-8611, ext. 8632 to arrange transportation to this blood drive.
- Tuesday, Jan. 12, from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the City County Building in the Omni Room, located at 1 E. Main St. in Fort Wayne. Please call 449-7671 to schedule your blood donation appointment.
Fort Wayne Donor Center located at 1212 E. California Road in Fort Wayne, (across from the Memorial Coliseum)Traditional whole blood or double red cell donation:
- Mon. & Tues. 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Weds. & Thurs. 12 noon – 6 p.m.
- Fri. & Sat. 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Platelet Pheresis Donation (call 1-800-589-8127 or 260-480-8299 to schedule a platelet donation):
- Mon. 6:30 a.m. – 6 p.m.
- Tues. & Weds. 11:30 a.m. – 6 p.m.
- Thurs. 11:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Fri. 6:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
- Sat. 6:30 a.m. – 12 noon
- Sun. 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Lutheran Hospital Donor Center located at 7900 W. Jefferson Blvd., Suite 107 in Fort Wayne (in the South Lobby of Lutheran Hospital) Traditional whole blood or platelet pheresis donation:
- Monday through Wednesday: 12 noon – 6 p.m.
- Thursday through Saturday: 6 a.m. – 12 noon
- Sunday: by appointment only
How to Donate Blood
To schedule an appointment to donate please call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE (1-800-448-3543) 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.
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