Help Be Prepared. Give Blood.

RedCrossLogoAmerican Red Cross urges donations during heart of summer

America’s blood supply is an important piece of our country’s ability to respond to disasters. By donating blood, people can help prepare for the unexpected and help ensure blood is available when and where it’s needed.

Any disaster, man-made or natural, can result in people being injured and needing blood,” said Sharyn Whitman, CEO for the Indiana-Ohio Blood Services Region of the American Red Cross. “While people often join together to help after a disaster, it’s just as important to be organized and prepared today for when disaster strikes.”

Making an appointment to donate blood during Disaster Education and Awareness Month this July is one way to help prepare for the unexpected. Another is to talk to friends and family about the importance of giving blood. A third is to consider volunteering at or sponsoring an American Red Cross blood drive.

Every day, hospitals need more than 44,000 blood donations for the care of serious diseases, accidents or trauma. And when disaster strikes, the need can be greater, depending on the severity and scope.

The Red Cross has the unique ability to move blood around the country through its National Inventory Management System, which helps meet patient need during times of disaster or shortages.

Your blood donations through the American Red Cross help build a blood supply strong enough to meet everyday and emergency medical needs,” said Whitman. “It’s blood on the shelves today that helps save lives.”

UPCOMING AMERICAN RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVES IN YOUR AREA:

  • Thursday, July 19, from noon until 4 p.m. at Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore in the Ranger Station Conference Room, located at 1100 N. Mineral Springs Road in Porter.
  • Friday, July 20, from 3 p.m. until 7 p.m. at Portage Avenue Baptist Church in the Sanctuary Room, located at 6605 Portage Ave. in Portage.
  • Saturday, July 21, from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. at Harley-Davidson, located at 1151 U.S. Highway 30 in Valparaiso.
  • Tuesday, July 24, from 2 p.m. until 7 p.m. at Liberty Bible Church in the gymnasium, located at 824 N. Calumet Ave. in Chesterton.
  • Tuesday, July 24, from 2:30 p.m. until 6 p.m. at Faith Memorial Lutheran Church, located at 753 N. Calumet in Valparaiso. Come to donate and receive a t-shirt.
  • Wednesday, July 25, from 2 p.m. until 7 p.m. at the Duneland Falls Banquet Center, located at 1100 N. Max Mochal Highway in Chesterton. This blood drive is sponsored by USW 6787 Union Chesterton.
  • Wednesday, July 25, from 2 p.m. until 6 p.m. at the YMCA, located at 1201 Cumberland Crossing Drive in Valparaiso.
  • Thursday, July 26, from noon until 6 p.m. at St. Paul Lutheran Church in the Meeting Hall, located at 106 East 1100 North in Chesterton. Come to donate and receive a t-shirt.
  • Sunday, July 29, from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. at St. Patrick Catholic Church in the gymnasium, located at 638 N. Calumet Road in Chesterton.
  • Monday, July 30, from 10 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. at Rittenhouse Senior Living, located at 1300 Vale Park Road in Valparaiso.
  • Monday, July 30, from 2:30 p.m. until 5 p.m. at Porter Hospital Portage Campus, located at 3630 Willowcreek Road in Portage.
  • Tuesday, July 31, from 3 p.m. until 7 p.m. at Heritage Lutheran Church in the Fellowship Hall, located at 308 Washington St. in Valparaiso.

How to Donate Blood
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.

About the American Red Cross
The Indiana-Ohio Blood Services Region serves northern and central Indiana and northwestern Ohio, and needs to collect about 500 units of blood a day to meet patient need in 60 hospitals. The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies more than 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or join our blog at http://blog.redcross.org