12/29/10 Many New Year’s resolutions focus on breaking bad habits. Why not take up a positive habit instead?

By resolving to donate blood or platelets in the coming year, you can help save the lives of the one out of 10 hospital patients who need blood for emergency or ongoing medical care. What’s more, your frequent donations through the American Red Cross can help keep the nation’s blood supply strong and ensure that blood is available anywhere and anytime it’s needed.

When you donate through the Red Cross, you’ll join about 4 million blood donors nationwide in a lifesaving cause. Blood is used for the treatment of cancer patients, people with blood disorders, premature infants, transplant recipients, trauma victims and more. And while most of us will probably know someone in our lifetime who needs blood, just 38 percent of people are eligible to give.

Come to donate from Jan. 1 – 31 and be entered into a weekly region-wide drawing for a $250 Visa gift card!  In addition, all donors from Dec. 20 through Jan. 31 will receive a coupon for a free donut from Dunkin’ Donuts.

UPCOMING AMERICAN RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVES IN YOUR AREA:

  • Tuesday, Jan. 11, from noon until 6 p.m. at Culver High School in the Middle School Gymnasium, located at 701 School St. in Culver.  Come to donate and receive a t-shirt.
  • Wednesday, Jan. 12, from noon until 5:30 p.m. at Argos United Methodist Church in the Fellowship Hall, located at 540 N. Michigan St. in Argos.
  • Wednesday, Jan. 12, from 8:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. at Triton High School in the gymnasium, located at 300 Triton Dr. in Bourbon.  Please call 342-2355 to schedule your blood donation appointment.

To schedule an appointment to donate blood 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), 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.