Communities across America celebrate the Fourth of July each year with fireworks, barbecues and get-togethers. And while such activities are long-time summer favorites, citizens can add another tradition to the mix by coming to donate blood with family and friends through the American Red Cross.
“Giving blood can be a powerful way to honor the birth of our nation,” said Sharyn Whitman, CEO for the Indiana-Ohio Blood Services Region of the American Red Cross. “When you donate blood, you’re giving of yourself so others may have a second chance at life.”
A blood donation around Independence Day can also help strengthen America’s blood supply. Blood donations typically slump during the summer when many donors are out of their day-to-day routines, and when student donors are on break. High school and college-age donors give up to 20 percent of the blood collected through the Red Cross.
Summer travel and activities can also result in accidents that require immediate and intensive medical care. A person with severe injuries from an auto accident may need from 40 to 100 pints of blood.
“People under emergency care typically receive O negative blood since it can be transfused to anyone, regardless of their blood type,” said Whitman. “That means ample supplies of type O negative need to be ready and available at a moment’s notice to help save lives.”
Donors with type O negative are highly encouraged to give on a regular basis, as are donors with type O positive. While everyone can receive type O negative, anyone with a positive blood type can receive type O positive—or about 80 percent of the population.
“Whatever your blood type, someone needs you this summer,” said Whitman. “Your gift of life around the Fourth of July can help make the world a better place for someone in need. And that’s what the American spirit is all about.”
Come to donate from June 1 through September 11 and be entered into a region-wide drawing to win free gas for a year ($3,000 gift card)!
UPCOMING AMERICAN RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVES IN YOUR AREA:
- Friday, July 1, from 1 p.m. until 6 p.m. at Porter Hospital Valparaiso Campus in the Patio Room, located at 814 LaPorte Ave. in Valparaiso.
- Saturday, July 2, from 11:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. at Walmart, located at 3400 E. Morthland Drive in Valparaiso.
- Wednesday, July 6, from 10 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. at State Farm Insurance, located at 2602 Chicago St. in Valparaiso.
- Monday, July 11, from 1 p.m. until 7 p.m. at St. Teresa of Avila in Avila Hall, located at 1604 Lincolnway in Valparaiso.
- Monday, July 11, from noon until 6 p.m. at Valparaiso Nazarene Church in the gymnasium, located at 2702 Glendale Ave. in Valparaiso.
- Tuesday, July 12, from 2:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. at Duneland Health and Wellness in the Fitness Center, located at 810 Michael Drive in Chesterton.
- Tuesday, July 12, from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. at Opportunity Enterprises in the Meeting Room, located at 2801 Evans Ave. in Valparaiso. Please call 464-9621, ext. 218 to schedule your blood donation appointment.
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.