News release from the American Red Cross:
Help the Red Cross prepare for emergencies by donating blood
Eligible donors encouraged to give during National Preparedness Month
(September 23, 2014) – Disasters can strike at any time, and the American Red Cross encourages eligible donors to help their communities prepare for emergencies by giving blood during National Preparedness Month.
The mission of the Red Cross is to help the public prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies. During National Preparedness Month, the Red Cross reminds Americans to take simple steps to get ready for emergencies in their homes, workplaces and communities. One way to support this mission is to become a regular blood donor.
A stable blood supply is central to ensuring patient needs are met in emergencies. Blood can take up to three days to be tested, processed and made available for patients. It’s the blood already on the shelves that can help save lives when disaster strikes.
To help increase donations during the month of September, those who come out to donate blood or platelets throughout the month will receive a coupon by email for a free haircut at participating Sport Clips locations.
Appointments to donate and help the Red Cross prepare for patient needs across the country can be made at redcross.org. Information about other ways to help prepare for emergencies is available at redcross.org.
Upcoming blood donation opportunities:
Adams County
- Sunday, September 28 from 8 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church, 414 Madison Street in Decatur.
- Tuesday, September 30 from 12 p.m. until 6 p.m. at South Adams Senior Center, 825 Hendrick Street in Berne.
Allen County
- Friday, September 19 from 1 p.m. until 3:30 p.m. at Allstate – Jay Raj Agency, 702 W Coliseum Blvd in Fort Wayne.
- Saturday, September 20 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at National College, 6131 North Clinton in Fort Wayne.
- Wednesday, September 24 from 1 p.m. until 3:30 p.m. at Tomkinson BMW, 929 Avenue of Autos, 14/69 Auto Mall in Fort Wayne.
- Saturday, September 27 from 7 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 3425 Crescent Avenue in Fort Wayne.
- Saturday, September 27 from 8 a.m. until 12 p.m. at United Methodist Church of the Covenant, 10001 Coldwater Road in Fort Wayne.
- Saturday, September 27 from 8 a.m. until 12 p.m. at St. Michael Lutheran Church, 2131 Getz Road in Fort Wayne.
- Saturday, September 27 from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. at Grace Point Church of the Nazarene, 8611 Mayhew Road in Fort Wayne.
- Sunday, September 28 from 7:30 a.m. until 1 p.m. at Pathway Community Church, 11910 Shearwater Run in Fort Wayne.
- Monday, September 29 from 9:30 a.m. until 12 p.m. at Northeast Indiana Innovation Center, 3201 Stellhorn Road in Fort Wayne.
- Monday, September 29 from 2 p.m. until 5 p.m. at Granite City Food & Brewery, 3809 Coldwater Road in Fort Wayne.
DeKalb County
- Friday, September 26 from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. at Heimach Senior Activity Center, 1800 E. Seventh Street in Auburn.
Huntington County
- Friday, September 19 from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m. at YMCA, 1160 W 500 N in Huntington,
- Thursday, September 25 from 2 p.m. until 6 p.m. at Knight-Bergman Center, 132 S. Nancy Street in Warren.
- Monday, September 29 from 12:30 p.m. until 3 p.m. at Miller’s Merry Manor, 1500 Grant Street in Huntington.
Lagrange County
- Saturday, September 20 from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. at Howe Volunteer Fire Department, 205 Defiance Street in Howe.
- Monday, September 29 from 12 p.m. until 6 p.m. at LaGrange First United Methodist Church, 209 W. Spring Street in Lagrange.
Noble County
- Sunday, September 21 from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. at Scott’s Shopping Center, 310 W North Street in Kendallville.
Wells County
- Monday, September 22 from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 215 East Dustman Road in Bluffton.
- Monday, September 22 from 1:30 p.m. until 5:30 p.m. at Church of the Nazarene, 302 N. Metts Street in Ossian.
Whitley County
- Wednesday, September 17 from 12:30 p.m. until 6:30 p.m. at South Whitley United Methodist Church, 6685 West SR 14, P O Box 386 in South Whitley.
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 call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcross.org 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.