Red Cross schedules 3 blood drives

Red Cross bloodmobile news

As the snow melts and spring rains bring fresh flowers, green grass, and warmer weather, the American Red Cross encourages area residents to be a part of change, too.

Spring is about rejuvenation and research studies show that the increase in temperature is a major mood booster. “The need for blood remains constant, especially as the weather becomes warmer,” said Tracy Duncan Fox, spokesperson for the American Red Cross Indiana-Ohio Blood Services Region. “A single blood donation can save more than one life, so as the season changes, allow some change within yourself by getting into the habit of donating blood.”

While spring lasts for a few months, donating blood only takes a fraction of that time; the donation process only takes about one hour. A healthy donor can donate red blood cells every 56 days and platelets can be given every 7 days, but no more than 24 times in one year. According to Fox, each and every day, the Indiana-Ohio Blood Services Region needs to have at least 500 blood donors to help meet the need of patients in the hospitals we serve.

“Strong donor turnout in April and May can give us good momentum into summer. And with only eight percent of eligible individuals donating blood each year, there’s great potential for solid collections during spring,” commented Fox. Approximately 38% of the U.S. population is eligible to donate blood. But only eight percent of those eligible – or three percent of the general population – donates blood each year.

Every day, patients across the U.S. need an average of 44,000 units of red blood cells. That’s about 16-million donations transfused to 5 million patients each year.

The following Red Cross bloodmobiles are scheduled in the area:

• The Van Wert County Hospital Health Center, 140 Fox Road, Van Wert, will host a bloodmobile between the hours of 1-6 p.m. on Wednesday, March 27.
• Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5803, located at 111 N. Shannon St., Van Wert, will host a bloodmobile between the hours of 12:30-6:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 28.
• Moose Lodge 1320 will have a bloodmobile Friday, April 5, from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. in the lodge ballroom, located at 740 W. Ervin Road in Van Wert. Come to donate and receive a t-shirt!

Those who are at least 17 years of age (16 with parental consent, advanced forms are available at the Red Cross Office 208 E. Main St.), weigh a minimum of 110 pounds and are in good general health may be eligible to donate blood. Bring a positive form of identification (a donor card or a driver’s license).

Call 800.733.2767 to schedule an appointment. Walk-ins are always welcome.