Blood donors honored during National Blood Donor Month

Press release from the American Red Cross:

Blood donors honored during National Blood Donor Month

January marks a special month for the unsung heroes who commit to helping the one in 10 hospital patients who need blood. Every year since 1970, blood collection organizations have honored people who roll up their sleeves to help save lives by designating January as National Blood Donor Month.

“You couldn’t pick a better month than January to recognize blood donors in your community and across the United States,” said Sharyn Whitman, CEO for the Indiana-Ohio Blood Services Region of the American Red Cross. “As the start of the new year, January represents a time of renewal. And when you donate blood, you’re giving someone hope for a new beginning on life.”

Last year, about 8 million people volunteered to donate blood in the United States, and gave about 15 million units of whole blood and red blood cells. Those donations, Red Cross officials say, went to help patients needing blood transfusions for emergency and trauma care, for surgeries, or for the treatment of serious diseases like cancer or leukemia.

“Every two seconds, someone in America needs blood,” said Whitman. “Chances are, someone in your very community will need blood within the coming year.”

While the need for blood is constant, particular times of year present unique challenges for blood collection. January is among the more difficult months, Red Cross officials say, simply because of cold and snowy weather that makes it hard for some people to come to donate.

“If all eligible donors gave at least twice a year, it would greatly help in maintaining an adequate blood supply for our country,” said Whitman. “By getting their start in January, donors may find they have the time for one, two or even more lifesaving opportunities throughout the year.”

 

UPCOMING AMERICAN RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVES IN YOUR AREA:

• Sunday, Jan. 17, from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. at Suburban Bethlehem Lutheran Church, located at 6813 W. California Road in Fort Wayne. Please call 484-7873 to schedule your blood donation appointment.
• Sunday, Jan. 17, from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. at St. Patrick Catholic Church, located at 2120 S. Harrison St. in Fort Wayne.
• Tuesday, Jan. 19, from 8:30 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. at Harrison College, located at 6413 N. Clinton in Fort Wayne. Please call 471-7667 to schedule your blood donation appointment.
• Wednesday, Jan. 20, from 7:30 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. at Wells Fargo Bank, located at 111 E. Wayne St. in Fort Wayne. Please call 424-9080, ext. 317 to schedule your blood donation appointment.
• Wednesday, Jan. 20, from 8 a.m. until 11 a.m. at Fort Wayne Housing Authority, located at 7315 Hanna St. in Fort Wayne. Please call 449-7816 to schedule your blood donation appointment.
• Thursday, Jan. 21, from 8 a.m. until 11 a.m. at Glenbrook Rehabilitation and Skilled Nursing, located at 3811 Parnell in Fort Wayne. Please call 482-4651, ext. 325 to schedule your blood donation appointment.
• Friday, Jan. 22, from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. at Monroeville EMS, located at 418 Monroe St. in Monroeville. Please call 417-5946 to schedule your blood donation appointment. Each presenting donor will receive a free coupon from Wendy’s for a frosty.
• Sunday, Jan. 24, from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church, located at 2213 Brooklyn Ave. in Fort Wayne. All presenting donors will receive a t-shirt. Please call 456-7738 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-REDCROSS (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.

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