04/22/13 You can celebrate the birth of a movement and help others in need by coming to donate blood in early May.

May 8th marks World Red Cross Day, as well as the birthday of Henry Dunant, the founder of what is known today as the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. Dunant was a young Swiss businessman who advocated for the humane treatment of wartime sick and wounded. Dunant witnessed atrocities in 1859 and organized local people to come to the aid of injured soldiers. Upon his return to Geneva, Dunant called for the creation of national volunteer relief societies to assist during wartime. His work pointed the way to the future Geneva Conventions, and the formation of Red Cross societies worldwide, including the American Red Cross.

The American Red Cross is among more than 180 Red Cross and Red Crescent societies around the world devoted to alleviating human suffering wherever it is found. The Red Cross works with partner societies in almost 200 countries which collectively assist more than 200 million beneficiaries each year. Catastrophic events, like last year’s earthquake and tsunami in Japan, demonstrate the ability of the Red Cross network to provide relief during times of devastating need.

Upcoming American Red Cross Blood Drives in our area include:

  • Thursday, May 2, from 8:30 a.m. until 2 p.m. at Argos High School in the gymnasium, located at 500 Yearick Ave. in Argos.  Come to donate and receive a t-shirt.
  • Wednesday, May 8, from 11:30 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. at St. Isidore Hall, located at 803 W. Bike St. in Bremen. 
  • Tuesday, May 14, from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. at Culver High School in the Middle School Gymnasium, located at 701 School St. in Culver. 

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.