News release from the American Red Cross:
Red Cross needs donors of all blood types to help maintain a diverse blood supply
(February 2, 2015) — The American Red Cross encourages eligible donors to help ensure a sufficient and diverse blood supply by giving blood this February.
Since the beginning of the year, widespread flu and inclement winter weather in some parts of the country have prevented many regular donors from making or keeping their blood donation appointments. Healthy and diverse blood donors are needed to help maintain a sufficient blood supply.
Diversity among blood donors is important because red blood cells carry markers that determine one’s blood type, and certain blood types are unique to specific racial and ethnic groups. Blood must be matched very closely for those patients with rare blood types or for those who need repeated transfusions. Patients are less likely to have complications from blood donated by someone with a similar ethnicity.
All blood types are needed, especially types O negative, A negative and B negative. To learn more about donating blood and to schedule an appointment, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
Upcoming blood donation opportunities
Adams County
- 2/20/2015: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Adams Memorial Hospital, 1100 Mercer Ave. in Decatur.
- 2/23/2015: 2 p.m. – 8 p.m., Lehman Park Pavilion, 667 Lehman St. in Berne.
Allen County
- 2/17/2015: 8:30 a.m. – 11 a.m., National College, 6131 North Clinton in Fort Wayne.
- 2/17/2015: 1 p.m. – 3:30 p.m., Ashton Creek Health and Rehabilitation, 4111 Park Place Dr. in Fort Wayne.
- 2/24/2015: 1 p.m. – 3:30 p.m., Byron Health Center, 12101 Lima Rd. in Fort Wayne.
- 2/24/2015: 3 p.m. – 7 p.m., St. Johns Lutheran Lake Twp., 7914 West Cook Rd. in Fort Wayne.
- 2/25/2015: 7:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., Wells Fargo Bank Wayne St., 111 East Wayne St. in Fort Wayne.
DeKalb County
- 2/24/2015: 1 p.m. – 5:30 p.m., American Legion Garrett, 515 W. 5th Ave. in Garrett.
Huntington County
- 2/16/2015: 12:30 p.m. – 3 p.m., Miller’s Merry Manor, 1500 Grant St. in Huntington.
- 2/16/2015: 2 p.m. – 7 p.m., Union Church, 3688 E 400 N in Huntington.
- 2/22/2015: 7:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m., SS Peter and Paul Catholic Church/School, 860 Cherry St. in Huntington.
- 2/25/2015: 8 a.m. – 1 p.m., YMCA, 1160 W 500 N in Huntington.
LaGrange County
- 2/17/2015: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., Maple Grove Church, 806 S. Main St. in Topeka.
- 2/27/2015: 1 p.m. – 5 p.m., Blue Gate Garden Inn, 800 S. Van Buren St. in Shipshewana.
Noble County
- 2/23/2015: 2 p.m. – 7 p.m., Grace Christian Church, 126 E. Mitchell St. in Kendallville.
- 2/28/2015: 8 a.m. – 12 p.m., Crosspointe Family Church, 210 Highpointe Crossing in Kendallville.
Steuben County
- 2/18/2015: 12 p.m. – 5 p.m., Sonlight Community Church, 455 N Gerald Lett Ave. in Angola.
Wells County
- 2/20/2015: 12 p.m. – 5 p.m., Bluffton Regional Medical Center, 303 South Main St. in Bluffton.
The Fort Wayne Donor Center located at 1212 E. California Road in Fort Wayne, (across from the Memorial Coliseum)
- Monday and Tuesday: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Wednesday and Thursday: noon – 6 p.m.
- Friday: 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.
- Saturday: 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.
The Lutheran Hospital Donor Center located at 7900 W. Jefferson Blvd., Suite 107 in Fort Wayne (in the South Lobby of Lutheran Hospital)
- Monday and Tuesday: noon – 6 p.m.
- Wednesday: closed
- Thursday through Saturday: 6 a.m. – noon *
*2nd Thursday of the month: noon – 6 p.m.
How to donate blood
Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental consent in some states), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 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.
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