You can celebrate the birth of a movement and help others in need by coming to donate blood in early May.
May 8 marks World Red Cross Day, as well as the birthday of Henry Dunant, the founder of what is known today as the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. Dunant was a young Swiss businessman who advocated for the humane treatment of wartime sick and wounded. Dunant witnessed atrocities in 1859 during a bloody battle in Solferino, Italy, and organized local people to come to the aid of injured soldiers. Upon his return to Geneva, Dunant called for the creation of national volunteer relief societies to assist during wartime. His work pointed the way to the future Geneva Conventions, and the formation of Red Cross societies worldwide, including the American Red Cross.
“We encourage everyone to help continue his legacy and help people in need, wherever they are,” said Sharyn Whitman, CEO for the Indiana-Ohio Blood Services Region of the American Red Cross. “Coming to donate blood to help hospital patients who need it for surgeries, cancer care, or to treat life-threatening accidents is one way you can help.”
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The American Red Cross is among more than 180 Red Cross and Red Crescent societies around the world devoted to alleviating human suffering wherever it is found. The Red Cross works with partner societies in almost 200 countries which collectively assist more than 200 million beneficiaries each year. Catastrophic events, like last year’s earthquake and tsunami in Japan, demonstrate the ability of the Red Cross network to provide relief during times of devastating need.
“Dunant showed us that even when world events seem overwhelming, you can make a difference, simply by giving blood, volunteering or making a contribution through your American Red Cross,” said Whitman.
UPCOMING AMERICAN RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVES IN YOUR AREA:
- Monday, May 6, from 2 p.m. until 6 p.m. at Fountain Park Assisted Living and Memory Care, located at 1433 N. Main St. in Bryan.
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 Indiana and Ohio), 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 60 hospitals. The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or join our blog at http://blog.redcross.org.[/emember_protected]