Press release from the American Red Cross:
Battle for Blood Continues
Police and Sheriff Departments Lead Competition(December 21, 2010) – The 16th annual Battle for Blood is underway and so far 692 pints of blood and 398 platelet products have been collected on goals of 1,100 and 500 respectively. The Police and Sheriff Departments are currently ahead in the vote tally with 402 donor votes compared to the Fort Wayne Fire Department and Three Rivers Ambulance Authority’s 397 votes.
The Battle for Blood continues through Friday, Dec. 24 at the American Red Cross and Lutheran Hospital Donor Center. All blood and platelet donors during the Battle for Blood will receive a commemorative t-shirt and refreshments from Pizza Hut and Tom’s or Dunkin’ Donuts. In addition, all donors will be entered to win a weekly, regional drawing for a $250 Visa gift card!
When many are busy with shopping, holiday parties and preparations, blood donation can be forgotten. The need for blood never takes a holiday, though. Approximately 500 pints of blood are needed every day in the American Red Cross Indiana-Ohio Region.
Blood is a gift that money can’t buy. By donating blood through the American Red Cross, you may give a hospital patient in need the most precious gift of all: life.
Battle for Blood locations and times are as follows:
American Red Cross located at 1212 E. California Rd. (across from the Memorial Coliseum)
- Thursday, Dec. 23: 8 a.m. – 7 p.m.
- Friday, Dec. 24: 8 a.m. – noon
Lutheran Hospital Donor Center located at 7900 W. Jefferson Blvd., Suite 107 (in the South Lobby of Lutheran Hospital near the gift shop)
- Thursday, Dec. 23 & Friday, Dec. 24: 6 a.m. – noon*
*platelet donations only on Friday from 6 – 8 a.m.
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.