Red Cross seeks blood donations

Red Cross blood drive news

FORT WAYNE, Ind. — September is National Preparedness Month, and the American Red Cross encourages individuals to take action to plan and prepare for an emergency and to donate blood.

“Disasters can strike at any time and being prepared is a family’s and an individual’s best defense,” said Sharyn Whitman, CEO for Indiana-Ohio Region and Western Lake Erie Region Blood Services.

“Supporting Red Cross blood donation or giving blood is also critical to community preparedness since hospitals need blood to respond to patient need,” Whitman said. “The blood used in an emergency is already on the shelves before the event occurs.”

The Red Cross recommends three simple actions to prepare for weather-related disaster events and emergencies such as a house fire: get a kit, make a plan and be informed. “Everyone needs to have a plan; waiting until disaster strikes is too late,” Whitman added.

All blood types are needed daily, but type O negative, as the universal blood type, is frequently in high demand.

More information including smart phone apps, tools and a family disaster plan template are available at the Red Cross website at http://www.redcross.org/prepare/nationalpreparednessmonth.

Upcoming local Red Cross blood drives:

Friday, September 6, from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m., at Lee Kinstle GM Sales and Service, 650 W. Ervin Road in Van Wert.