Emergencies don’t take a holiday. The American Red Cross urgently needs blood and platelet donors to make an appointment now to give and help ensure patients can get the treatment they need at a moment’s notice.
In November 2016, a 100-foot maple tree fell on Mike McMahon, causing life-threatening injuries. He needed 11 units of blood during emergency surgery and another seven units to treat complications after.Six weeks following the accident, McMahon was released from the hospital – just in time to spend the holidays with his family.
“I’m grateful for the donors who gave me such an amazing gift – the gift of life,” said McMahon. “I was an occasional blood donor before the accident.Today, I donate as often as I can to help ensure others receive blood when they need it most.”
Now is an important time to give blood. A seasonal decline in donations occurs from Thanksgiving to New Year’s Day when donors become busy with family gatherings and travel. In addition, severe winter weather can cause blood drive cancellations and negatively affect the blood supply.Patients like McMahon can’t afford for there to be a shortage of blood.
The Red Cross supports patients at more than 3,000 hospitals nationwide and 80 hospitals in the Indiana-Ohio Blood Services Region.
Give the gift of life – make an appointment to donate blood by downloading the free American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
As a special thank-you for helping meet the urgent need, those who come to give Dec. 20 through Jan. 6 will receive a long-sleeved Red Cross T-shirt, while supplies last.
Upcoming blood donation opportunities in Marshall County from Dec. 20 to Jan. 15 are in Plymouth at the Knights of Columbus, 901 East Jefferson Street on December 27th from 11:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.; December 31st, New Year’s Eve at Michiana Behavioral Health on Oak Drive from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.and on January 11th at Jefferson Elementary School at 401 Klinger Street in Plymouth from 12 p.m. – 6 p.m., Jefferson Elementary, 401 Klinger Street
How to donate blood
Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) 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 in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), 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.
