Blood donors are Everyday Heroes who help save lives. During Red Cross Month, the American Red Cross recognizes these lifesavers, thanks them for their generosity and encourages others to join their ranks.
“Red Cross Month is an ideal time for people to show support for our mission,” said Sharyn Whitman, CEO of the Indiana-Ohio Blood Services Region of the American Red Cross. “Anyone can become an Everyday Hero by giving blood or platelets, becoming a volunteer, making a financial donation or taking a class.”
March was first proclaimed Red Cross Month in 1943 by President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Since that time, every president, including President Barack Obama, has designated March as Red Cross Month. The organization has been helping people for more than 130 years.
The need for blood is constant. From cancer patients and accident victims to premature babies and those with blood disorders, someone in the U.S. needs blood every two seconds.
In addition to collecting and distributing about 40 percent of the nation’s blood supply, the Red Cross responds to nearly 70,000 disasters a year in the U.S., providing shelter, food, emotional support and other necessities to those affected. The organization also offers 24-hour support to members of the military, veterans and their families – in war zones, military hospitals and on military installations around the world and trains more than seven million people in first aid, water safety and other lifesaving skills every year.
UPCOMING AMERICAN RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVES IN YOUR AREA:
- Tuesday, March 5, from noon until 6 p.m. at St. John’s United Church of Christ in the Fellowship Hall, located at 101 St. John Road in Michigan City. Come to donate and receive a Red Cross pin and a coupon for a free taco courtesy of Taco Bell.
- Wednesday, March 6, from 1 p.m. until 6 p.m. at the Lincoln Township Community Building in the Hall, located at 3098 South 800 East (Fish Lake) in Walkerton. Come to donate and receive a Red Cross pin! This blood drive is sponsored by the Mill Creek Community Lions.
- Thursday, March 7, from 12:30 p.m. until 6 p.m. at the Center of LaCrosse in the Hall, located at 100 S. Washington in La Crosse.
- Monday, March 11, from noon until 6 p.m. at the First Church of God in the gymnasium, located at 2020 E. Lincolnway in LaPorte. Come to donate and receive a Red Cross pin!
- Monday, March 11, from 1:30 p.m. until 6:30 p.m. at St. Paul Lutheran Church & School in the Parish Hall, located at 818 Franklin St. in Michigan City. Come to donate and receive a Red Cross pin and a coupon for a free taco courtesy of Taco Bell! This blood drive is sponsored by Pint Size Heroes of St. Paul Lutheran Church. Please go to redcrossblood.org and enter sponsor code “stplch” to schedule your blood donation appointment.
- Tuesday, March 12, from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. at American Licorice, located at 1900 Whirlpool Drive S. in LaPorte. Come to donate and receive a Red Cross pin!
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. Individuals should bring their Red Cross blood donor card or other form of positive ID when they come to donate.
About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 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.