March is the perfect time to give blood since March is Red Cross Month and the 60th anniversary of the Indiana-Ohio Blood Services Region.
"Chances are, wherever you live or wherever you go, you're likely to encounter someone whose life has been touched by blood donation through the Red Cross," said Sharyn Whitman, CEO for the Indiana-Ohio Blood Services Region of the American Red Cross. "We're proud to be an organization of people who band together to help their neighbors - be they next door or around the world."
Red Cross officials say it's easy to get involved in helping to effect change in your community. Volunteers can give blood, donate their time and talents, or make financial contributions. Nationwide, more than 500,000 volunteers make a difference through Red Cross services like blood donations, disaster relief, health and safety training, support to military members and families and international aid.
"If you're wondering how you can make a difference, you can - through your American Red Cross," said Whitman. "We offer countless opportunities for you to help save the day for someone in need."
The Red Cross delivers humanitarian and community services through about 650 locally supported chapters, and collects blood through a network of 36 blood regions. In the last year, those chapters responded to nearly 70,000 disasters, while blood regions distributed approximately 9 million blood products to about 3,000 hospitals across the country.
"Volunteer blood donors make it possible for us to supply lifesaving blood to those in need," said Whitman. "We hope the public will donate blood this March in celebration of our region's 60th anniversary and as a way to help others through the American Red Cross."
Upcoming Blood Drives:
- March 7, noon to 5 p.m. at Mentone Elementary School in the gymnasium, 301 E. Jackson St., Mentone. Go to redcrossblood.org and enter sponsor code "menelem" to schedule a blood donation appointment. This is a "Pint Size Heroes" blood drive.
- March 8, from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. at Center Lake Pavilion, 117 Canal St., Warsaw.
How to Donate Blood
To schedule an appointment to donate, call 800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org for more information. Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental permission in some states), 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. Bring your Red Cross blood donor card or other form of positive ID when you come to donate.
