American Red Cross celebrates National Blood Donor Month

January 11, 2013

 01/14/13 January is National Blood Donor Month, a time when the American Red Cross recognizes and thanks the millions of dedicated blood and platelet donors across the United States for helping to ensure a stable blood supply for patients in need both locally and across the country.

“Every day in our country, approximately 44,000 units of blood are needed in hospitals to help treat trauma victims, surgery patients, organ transplant patients, premature babies and patients receiving treatment for cancer and other diseases,” said Sharyn Whitman, CEO of the Red Cross Indiana-Ohio Blood Services Region. “As the new year begins, it is the perfect time to honor donors for their commitment to helping save lives through the simple act of giving blood and platelets throughout the year.”

The Red Cross thanks all those who roll up a sleeve each year to help save lives because the stability of the nation’s blood supply relies on the generosity of volunteer blood and platelet donors. January can be a challenging month for blood and platelet donations because of inclement weather and seasonal illnesses, yet the need for blood and platelets continues. It is important for eligible donors to make and keep appointments to help patients in need.

All blood types are needed to ensure an adequate blood supply. Donors with type O negative, O positive, A negative or B negative blood are especially encouraged to give.

Upcoming blood donation opportunities:

• Wednesday, Jan. 16, from 11:30 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. at St. Isidore Hall, located at 803 W. Bike St. in Bremen.
• Wednesday, Jan. 16, from 8:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. at Triton High School in the gymnasium, located at 300 Triton Drive in Bourbon.  Come to donate and receive a t-shirt.  Please call 342-2355 to schedule your blood donation appointment.
• Thursday, Jan. 17, from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. at Culver Middle School in the gymnasium, located at 701 School St. in Culver.   This Pint Size Heroes blood drive is sponsored by Culver High School.
• Tuesday, Jan. 29, from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. at Ancilla College in the Evergreen Room C231, located at 9601 S. Union in Donaldson. Come to donate and be entered into a drawing for a $25 shopping spree. Please call (574) 936-8898, ext. 384 to schedule your blood donation appointment.
• Thursday, Jan. 31, from 11:30 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. at the Knights of Columbus in the Hall, located at 901 E. Jefferson St. in Plymouth. Come to donate and receive a coupon good for one free taco courtesy of Taco Bell.

How to Donate Blood

Simply call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.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 Indiana and Ohio), 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.