News release from the American Red Cross:
Celebrate the Spirit of St. Patrick’s Day and Be a Holiday Hero
(March 10, 2015) – Join the American Red Cross in celebrating St. Patrick’s Day by donating blood or platelets on Friday, March 13 or Saturday, March 14 at either of Fort Wayne’s two Red Cross blood donations centers. Everyone who comes to donate will receive a coupon from Tilted Kilt Pub & Eatery at Jefferson Pointe for a free Irish nacho or pub pretzel, while supplies last.
Like the traditional shamrock has three leaves, each unit of donated blood has the potential to help save up to three lives. Your act of heroism can help save the lives of accident victims, cancer patients, children with blood disorders and others with serious conditions.
“This is a great way to celebrate both the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day and Red Cross Month, and be a hero while doing it,” said Elaine Jones, Tilted Kilt co-owner. “We’re proud to support the American Red Cross and to help support patients in need of lifesaving blood.”
March is Red Cross Month, the perfect time to uncover your inner hero by giving blood or platelets. During Red Cross Month, the American Red Cross urges blood and platelet donors to become everyday heroes and help replenish the blood supply following severe winter weather.
March storms forced the cancellation of more than 200 blood drives nationwide, resulting in nearly 7,000 uncollected blood and platelet donations. This shortfall follows more than 26,400 uncollected blood and platelet donations in February due to severe weather across 27 states.
Despite the weather, hospital patients still rely on transfusions. Blood products are being delivered to hospitals almost as quickly as they come in.
Blood donors of all types are needed, especially those with types O negative, A negative and B negative, and platelet donors.
To make an appointment to give blood or platelets, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcross.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
St. Patrick’s Day Holiday Heroes Blood Drive
Friday, March 13, 2015
- Fort Wayne Donor Center, 1212 E. California Road (across from the Memorial Coliseum)
8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.- Lutheran Donor Center, 7900 W. Jefferson Blvd., Suite 107 (south lobby of Lutheran Hospital)
6:00 a.m. – NoonSaturday, March 14, 2015
- Fort Wayne Donor Center
8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.- Lutheran Donor Center
6:00 a.m. – NoonEveryone who comes to donate will receive a coupon from Tilted Kilt Pub & Eatery at Jefferson Pointe for a free Irish nacho or pub pretzel, while supplies last.
How to donate blood
Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcross.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. For more information, please visit redcross.org.