Press release from the American Red Cross:
Second Annual Indiana Statehouse Blood Donor Challenge to Take Place Feb. 18
Legislators Roll Up Their Sleeves for the American Red Cross(February 4, 2010) For the second year Statehouse employees and visitors will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite political team – House of Representatives, Senate, Legislative Services Agency or Executive Branch – when they register to donate blood during the Second Annual Indiana Statehouse Blood Donor Challenge. The Indiana Statehouse Blood Donor Challenge will take place on Thursday, Feb. 18 from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. in the South Atrium of the Statehouse.
The Senate team was victorious with the most donor votes at the inaugural Statehouse Blood Donor Challenge in 2009. In all, 61 pints of blood were collected. “This friendly competition is all about saving lives,” said Senator David C. Long (R-Fort Wayne). “We hope to bring more awareness to the need for blood donation during this year’s challenge and top last year’s total pints collected.”
Every two seconds someone in America needs blood. In our area alone, at least 500 units of blood are needed every day to meet patient needs. The American Red Cross is proud to serve nearly 100 hospitals throughout the state of Indiana, including more than 15 in the Indianapolis area.
State Auditor Tim Berry plans to participate in the Blood Donor Challenge for the second time this year. “Blood donation is an important civic duty,” said Berry. “Volunteer blood donors help ensure that blood is on the shelf and available when you, a neighbor or a loved one needs it,” he continued.
“We are grateful for the support of legislators, executives and Statehouse staff who are committed to giving of themselves to help others in need,” said Sharyn Whitman, CEO of the American Red Cross Indiana-Ohio Blood Services Region. “The winter months are sometimes difficult to collect blood because inclement weather can cause blood drive cancellations and hinder donors from keeping their blood donation appointments. We look forward to a great result at this year’s Statehouse Blood Donor Challenge,” she concluded.
To schedule your blood donation appointment for the Statehouse Blood Donor Challenge, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org and enter sponsor code “ISH”. All presenting donors will receive a stainless-steel travel mug.
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.
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