News release from the American Red Cross:
Volunteers honored during March Is Red Cross Month
(March 3, 2011) – If the last decade is any indication, people worldwide rely on humanitarian aid during times of great need. And that’s where the American Red Cross comes in.
For 130 years, the American Red Cross has helped individuals and families prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies. And each spring, the U.S. President acknowledges the American Red Cross and encourages volunteerism by issuing a proclamation that declares March as Red Cross Month.
“We’re proud of our history and the volunteers, employees and supporters who make our mission possible,” said Sharyn Whitman, CEO for the Indiana-Ohio Blood Services Region of the American Red Cross. “That’s why we make a special time each year to celebrate their contributions, and to welcome more community members as Red Cross volunteers.”
In 1881, 60-year-old Clara Barton broadened the scope of the Red Cross from an organization that provided relief to wounded military members to one that provided relief to disaster victims, too. And for a half-century or more, the Red Cross has operated a national blood distribution system which enables the organization to quickly send blood anywhere it’s needed after meeting local needs first.
Today, Red Cross Month celebrates Red Cross volunteers in areas like blood donation, disaster relief, health and safety training, and support to military members and their families. The Indiana-Ohio Blood Services Region is among 36 Red Cross Blood Regions nationwide. Each year, those Regions work together to collect more than 6 million units of blood from about 4 million volunteer donors.
“March is a time we say thank you to Red Cross volunteers for the contributions they make to our nation and the world,” said Whitman. “Whether you choose to give blood, volunteer your time, or support Red Cross programs and services, you’ll feel good knowing you’re helping to change lives, starting with your own.”
UPCOMING AMERICAN RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVES IN YOUR AREA:
[list type=”black”]
[li]Saturday, March 19, from 8 a.m. until noon at St. Michael Lutheran Church, located at 2131 Getz Road in Fort Wayne.[/li]
[li]Saturday, March 19, from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. at Liberty Tax Service, located at 6564 E. State Blvd. in Fort Wayne. Please call 493-8863 to schedule your blood donation appointment. Come to donate and receive a coupon for 50% off tax preparation fees at Liberty Tax Service.[/li]
[li]Monday, March 21, from 8:15 a.m. until 10:45 a.m. at Logikos, located at 2914 Independence Drive in Fort Wayne. Please call 483-3638 to schedule your blood donation appointment.[/li]
[li]Tuesday, March 22, from 6 a.m. until 6 p.m. at Parkview Hospital in the Pach Room, located at 2200 Randallia Drive in Fort Wayne. Please call 373-3902 to schedule your blood donation appointment.[/li]
[li]Sunday, March 27, from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m. at St. Charles Catholic Church & School, located at 4910 Trier Road in Fort Wayne. Please call 482-2186 to schedule your blood donation appointment.[/li]
[li]Sunday, March 27, from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. at St. Therese Catholic Church in the gymnasium, located at 2304 Lower Huntington Road in Fort Wayne. Please call 747-9139 to schedule your blood donation appointment.[/li]
[li]Tuesday, March 29, from 3 p.m. until 7 p.m. at Third Place in the gymnasium, located at 1601 W. Cedar Canyon Road in Huntertown. This blood drive is sponsored by the United Methodist Church of Huntertown and Resurrection Lutheran Church.[/li]
[/list]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:
[list type=”black”]
[li]Monday and Tuesday: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.[/li]
[li]Wednesday and Thursday: noon – 6 p.m.[/li]
[li]Friday and Saturday: 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.[/li]
[/list]Platelet pheresis donation (call 1-800-589-8127 or 260-480-8299 to schedule a platelet donation):
[list type=”black”]
[li]Monday: 6:30 a.m. – 6 p.m.[/li]
[li]Tuesday: 11:30 a.m. – 6 p.m.[/li]
[li]Wednesday: 11:30 a.m. – 6 p.m.[/li]
[li]Thursday: 11:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.[/li]
[li]Friday: 6:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.[/li]
[li]Saturday: 6:30 a.m. – noon[/li]
[li]Sunday: 8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.[/li]
[/list]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 (no platelet pheresis on Wednesdays):
[list type=”black”]
[li]Monday through Wednesday: noon – 6 p.m.[/li]
[li]Thursday through Saturday: 6 a.m. – noon[/li]
[/list]
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.
Related Images:
