News release from the American Red Cross:
Faith leaders’ blood donation day to mark its 10th year
American Red Cross partners with local congregations to encourage community to donate blood
Tuesday, June 5 is the annual Fort Wayne Faith Leaders’ Blood Donation Day. To celebrate the 10th year of this important event, prominent leaders and representatives of local multi-cultural community churches and organizations will donate blood at 2 p.m. at the Fort Wayne Donor Center, 1212 E. California Road. Prominent leaders and representatives of local churches and multi-cultural organizations will be on hand, including: Pastor Peter Janzen, First Mennonite Church; Msgr. Robert Schulte, Vicar General, Catholic Diocese of Fort Wayne & South Bend; Palermo Galindo, Hispanic and Immigrant Liaison, Division of Community Development, City of Fort Wayne; Fernando Zapari, Editor, El Mexicano; Pastor Otha Aden, Southern Heights Baptist Church; Mark Schneider, Congregation B’nai Jacob Conservative; Dr. J.B. Pressy, “Come As You Are” Community Church.
The annual Faith Leaders campaign is designed for local churches and houses of worship to encourage blood donation and help spread the word of the importance of consistent blood donation in our area. The Indiana-Ohio Blood Services Region of the American Red Cross collects as much as 20% of the total blood collected at high school and college drives. When those schools are out of session in the summer, the Red Cross looks to faith leaders to help prevent a decrease in the vital supply of blood.
Blood is needed year-round, but the need compounds in the summer when vacation-related travel and activities increase the chance of accidents and injuries that require blood for lifesaving care. Bishop Kevin Rhoades and other faith leaders encourage eligible donors to join them by making and keeping an appointment to donate blood this summer.
Please call 1-800-RED CROSS to schedule a blood donation appointment.
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 more than 60 hospitals. In addition to supplying nearly half of the nation’s blood, the American Red Cross teaches lifesaving skills, provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a charitable organization—not a government agency—and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission.
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