News release from the American Red Cross:
American Red Cross urges donations during heart of summer
America’s blood supply is an important piece of our country’s ability to respond to disasters. By donating blood, people can help prepare for the unexpected and help ensure blood is available when and where it’s needed.
“Any disaster, man-made or natural, can result in people being injured and needing blood,” said Sharyn Whitman, CEO for the Indiana-Ohio Blood Services Region of the American Red Cross. “While people often join together to help after a disaster, it’s just as important to be organized and prepared today for when disaster strikes.”
Making an appointment to donate blood during Disaster Education and Awareness Month this July is one way to help prepare for the unexpected. Another is to talk to friends and family about the importance of giving blood. A third is to consider volunteering at or sponsoring an American Red Cross blood drive.
Every day, hospitals need more than 44,000 blood donations for the care of serious diseases, accidents or trauma. And when disaster strikes, the need can be greater, depending on the severity and scope.
The Red Cross has the unique ability to move blood around the country through its National Inventory Management System, which helps meet patient need during times of disaster or shortages.
“Your blood donations through the American Red Cross help build a blood supply strong enough to meet everyday and emergency medical needs,” said Whitman. “It’s blood on the shelves today that helps save lives.”
UPCOMING AMERICAN RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVES IN YOUR AREA:
[list type=”red”]
[li]Thursday, July 5, from 8:30 a.m. until 11 a.m. at O’Daniel Jeep, located at 5611 Illinois Road in Fort Wayne. Please call 435-5331 to schedule your blood donation appointment.[/li]
[li]Thursday, July 5, from 1 p.m. until 3:30 p.m. at JC Penney, located at 4201 Coldwater Road in Fort Wayne. Please call 482-4661 to schedule your blood donation appointment.[/li]
[li]Monday, July 9, from 2 p.m. until 8 p.m. at Grabill Missionary Church in the gymnasium, located at 13637 State St. in Grabill. Please call (260) 466-3213 to arrange transportation to this blood drive.[/li]
[li]Tuesday, July 10, from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. at Parkview Hospital in the Pach Room, located at 2200 Randallia in Fort Wayne. Please call 373-6099 to schedule your blood donation appointment.[/li]
[li]Tuesday, July 10, from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m. at AEP in the 18th Floor Room, located at One Summit Square in Fort Wayne. Please call 408-3539 or 427-8452 to schedule your blood donation appointment.[/li]
[li]Wednesday, July 11, from 2 p.m. until 7 p.m. at New Haven High School in the Lobby, located at 1300 Green Road in New Haven. This is a Bleed for the Band blood drive.[/li]
[li]Saturday, July 14, from 1 p.m. until 5 p.m. at the Three River’s Festival on Barr Street in Fort Wayne.[/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:
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[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):
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[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 a.m. – 2 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): **
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[li]Monday through Wednesday: noon – 6 p.m.[/li]
[li]Thursday through Saturday: 6 a.m. – noon *[/li]
[li]2nd Thursday of the month: noon – 6 p.m.[/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 Indiana and Ohio), 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 60 hospitals. The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies more than 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or join our blog at https://blog.redcross.org.
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