Red Cross schedules local blood drives

American Red Cross information

The American Red Cross encourages all eligible donors to choose their day to help save lives by giving blood in honor of World Blood Donor Day.

Every year, on June 14, countries around the world celebrate World Blood Donor Day. The occasion raises awareness of the need for safe blood and blood products, and thanks voluntary blood donors for their lifesaving gifts of blood.

“World Blood Donor Day comes at a very important time each year,” said Sharyn Whitman, CEO of the Indiana-Ohio Blood Services Region. “Summer can be a challenging time for blood donations, with fewer donors available to donate blood due to busy summer schedules. World Blood Donor Day gives us an opportunity to highlight the need for blood during the summer months and year-round.”

World Blood Donor Day occurs on day 21 of the Red Cross’ “100 Days of Summer. 100 Days of Hope.” campaign. Whitman added that it’s a perfect time for donors to help save lives and boost the blood supply for patients in need.

To learn more and make an appointment to donate blood, visit the Red Cross blood donation website at redcrossblood.org or call 800.RED.CROSS.

Upcoming blood donation opportunities:

• Thursday, June 5, from 12:30-6:30 p.m. at Elks Lodge 1197, 1197 Elks Drive in Van Wert.
• Wednesday, June 11, from 2-7 p.m. at Vancrest of Convoy, 510 Tully St. in Convoy.