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FORT WAYNE — July is a time to bring family and friends together to celebrate America’s independence; it is also a time to commend the national spirit of America’s blood donors.
“Blood donors symbolize our nation’s generosity,” said Sharyn Whitman, CEO for the Indiana-Ohio Blood Services Region of the American Red Cross. “Every day, people from coast-to-coast independently step forward to help others in need by donating blood.”
Giving blood around the Fourth of July also helps strengthen America’s blood supply during the heart of summer. Red Cross officials say that blood donations typically slump in July and around major holidays as some donors focus on summer activities and may overlook donating blood.
All blood types are needed, but Type O-negative is in especially high demand since it can be transfused to patients with any other blood type and is often used especially in emergency situations. Currently the Indiana-Ohio Region has less than a 12-hour supply of Type O-negative.
“Your donation this summer will help shore up America’s blood supply,” said Whitman. “What greater sense of American spirit can you have than knowing that blood will be there if and when you need it?”
From June 29 to Sept. 7 donors who give blood through the Indiana-Ohio Blood Services Region of the American Red Cross will be entered to win a weekly drawing for a $500 Meijer gift card.
Local Blood Drives
• Friday, June 26, from 7:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. at Parkview Noble Hospital, 401 Sawyer Road in Kendallville. All presenting donors in June will be entered into a drawing for a grill package worth $1,000. The package includes a $500 Lowe’s gift card for the purchase of a grill and a $500 gift certificate to Omaha Steaks.
• Friday, June 26, from 1 p.m. until 5 p.m. at Asbury United Methodist Church, 605 E. Main St. in Albion. This is a Fallen Officer Blood Drive held to honor those who serve and protect our communities. All presenting donors in June will be entered into a drawing for a grill package worth $1,000! The package includes a $500 Lowe’s gift card for the purchase of a grill and a $500 gift certificate to Omaha Steaks.
• Friday, July 10, from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. at Trinity Church Methodist Church, 229 S. State St. in Kendallville.
• Friday, July 10, from noon until 6 p.m. at United Methodist Church, located at 466 Townline Road in Ligonier.
Give blood or platelets June 29-Sept. 7 and enter to win a $500 Meijer gift card. A winner will be decided weekly.
Call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE (1-800-448-3543) to schedule your donation appointment. or visit IndianaOhioRedCross.org for more information.
If you are at least 17* years of age, weigh a minimum of 110 pounds and are in good general health, you may be eligible to donate blood. All donors need to present positive identification.
*In Indiana, you may give blood at 16 years of age with written, parental consent.
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.
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