Blood Donations Carry Special Meaning for Memorial Day

RedCrossLogoWhile Memorial Day may signal the unofficial start of summer, the holiday’s true meaning is inescapable for those wishing to honor members of the United States Armed Forces.

Making a blood donation through your American Red Cross is one way to pay homage to the service men and women who protect and defend our nation. Coming to donate blood before, during or after the long weekend can also help strengthen and maintain America’s blood supply for the summer season.

Your blood donation this time of year works as both a tribute and a testament to our nation’s armed forces,” said Sharyn Whitman, CEO for the Indiana-Ohio Blood Services Region of the American Red Cross. “By rolling up your sleeve, you’ll honor those who dedicate their lives to others, and you’ll give the gift of life to help others in need.”

Day in and day out, hospital patients need blood for emergency and ongoing care related to serious illness, accident or trauma. In fact, every two seconds, someone in American needs blood. But while that need is constant, the number of people donating blood isn’t. Blood donors may travel, start new routines, or simply overlook donating blood—especially during the summer when people spend more time doing recreational or seasonal activities.

To encourage summer donations, particularly around holidays like Memorial Day, the Red Cross applies creative twists to giving blood, including nationwide promotions such as Red Cross Racing. Now in its fourth season, this online rewards program recognizes frequent donations by offering racing-themed rewards for blood and platelet donation activities. The program also allows donors to earn and contribute points that benefit the Service to the Armed Forces network, a special Red Cross program that supports U.S. service members, their families and veterans. Donors can visit redcrossracing.com for details or to join.

We understand many people are simply motivated by the desire to honor others and to help save lives,” said Whitman. “Red Cross Racing is a way we can say thanks and bring some fun to giving blood.”

UPCOMING AMERICAN RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVES IN YOUR AREA:

  • Tuesday, May 17, from 2 p.m. until 8 p.m. at Duneland Health and Wellness in the Fitness Center, located at 810 Michael Drive in Chesterton.
  • Tuesday, May 17, from 2 p.m. until 7 p.m. at Liberty Bible Church in the lower level, located at 824 N. Calumet Ave. in Chesterton.
  • Wednesday, May 18, from 3:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. at Porter Lakes Elementary School in the Cafeteria, located at 208 South 725 West in Hebron. This is a Pint Size Heroes blood drive.
  • Wednesday, May 18, from noon until 5 p.m. at Portage Christian School, located at 3040 Arlene St. in Portage. Come to donate and receive a t-shirt and a Vans Warped Tour VIP pass. When used with a purchased ticket, the VIP pass allows special access to meet and greet with select bands and be entered into a region-wide drawing for a "Warped Tour Experience" which includes two free tickets to the July 7 concert at Verizon Wireless Music Center in Noblesville and meet and greet with select bands. Twenty donors will win from May 2 to June 24. This is a Pint Size Heroes blood drive.
  • Thursday, May 19, from 2:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. at Jackson Elementary School in the Cafeteria, located at 811 North 400 East in Valparaiso. This is a Pint Size Heroes blood drive.
  • Saturday, May 21, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the Boys & Girls Club of Porter County in the Small Gymnasium, located at 354 Jefferson St. in Valparaiso. This is a Pint Size Heroes blood drive.
  • Sunday, May 22, from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m. at Washington Township Volunteer Fire Department, located at 380 E. SR 2 in Valparaiso. Please call 508-5002 to schedule your blood donation appointment.
  • Monday, May 23, from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. at St. Peter Lutheran Church in the Social Hall, located at 6540 Central Ave. in Portage.
  • Tuesday, May 24, from 2 p.m. until 7 p.m. at the United Methodist Church in the Fellowship Hall, located at 202 W. Church St. in Hebron.
  • Friday, May 27, from 2 p.m. until 7 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church of Portage in the Fellowship Hall, located at 2637 McCool Road in Portage.

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 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. 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 more than 60 hospitals. In addition to providing blood to our community, the American Red Cross also provides relief to victims of disaster, trains millions in lifesaving skills, serves as a communication link between U.S. military members and their families, and assists victims of international disasters or conflicts. 03/11AP0233