{"id":9247,"date":"2009-12-16T00:55:01","date_gmt":"2009-12-16T05:55:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.aroundfortwayne.com\/news\/?p=9247"},"modified":"2009-12-16T00:55:01","modified_gmt":"2009-12-16T05:55:01","slug":"make-the-resolution-of-a-lifetime-donate-blood","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/aroundfortwayne.com\/news\/2009\/12\/16\/make-the-resolution-of-a-lifetime-donate-blood\/","title":{"rendered":"Make the resolution of a lifetime: donate blood"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"American<\/p>\n

Press release from the American Red Cross:<\/p>\n

Make the resolution of a lifetime: donate blood<\/strong>
\nWhile many New Year’s resolutions go by the wayside, one resolution can last a lifetime: donating blood<\/em>.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

“When you resolve to donate blood in the coming year, you’re committing to something that can help change lives\u00e2\u20ac\u201dincluding your own,” said Sharyn Whitman, CEO for the Indiana-Ohio Blood Services Region of the American Red Cross.<\/p>\n

A single whole blood donation may help save the lives of up to three people, and may be given through Red Cross blood drives at schools, churches, community centers, businesses and other organizations. Every day, hospital patients need blood products such as red cells, platelets and plasma for the treatment of cancer and serious diseases, as well as for emergency and trauma care. Last year, nearly 5 million people needed blood transfusions. And that need, Red Cross officials say, will be constant as an aging population and advances in medical care place demands on the need for blood.<\/p>\n

Consistent and steady blood donations are needed year-round to meet patient need. And while the need for blood is constant, blood donations can sometimes slump. Collecting blood during the winter, for instance, often presents a challenge since cold and snowy weather can sometimes prevent donors from making and keeping appointments.<\/p>\n

“Your donation is needed and may give someone another day, another week, another life to spend with loved ones and friends,” said Whitman. “That’s a New Year’s resolution worth keeping.”<\/p>\n

UPCOMING AMERICAN RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVES IN YOUR AREA<\/strong>:<\/p>\n