Absence makes the heart grow fonder, except when you’re talking about blood donors. Every day, hospital patients depend on steady and consistent blood donations from volunteer donors for the blood they may need for ongoing and emergency medical care. Since February is American Heart Month, it’s a great time to put your heart into a worthwhile cause: donating blood at an American Red Cross blood drive to help hospital patients who require blood transfusion. “Blood donations help many types of patients, including cardiac patients who are one of the leading users of blood and blood products,” said Tracy Fox, Communications Manager, with the Indiana-Ohio Blood Services Region of the Red Cross. “When individuals roll up their sleeve, they help build the blood supply. This is important anytime, but especially during the cold, wintry months when blood donations tend to decline. It’s important that the blood is on the shelf when hospital patients need a transfusion.” Since 1963, the President of the United States has proclaimed February as American Heart Month. “Donating blood, and sharing your good health with others less fortunate, is a great way to observe this annual event,” Fox stated. “We’re asking more people, young and old alike, to have a heart and give blood this February. If you’re healthy and can give, your donation can help make a difference.”
UPCOMING AMERICAN RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVES IN YOUR AREA: * Friday, Feb. 7, from noon until 6 p.m. at Pioneer Area Chamber of Commerce in the Community Room, located at 100 N. Elm St. in Pioneer. * Friday, Feb. 7, from noon until 5 p.m. at First Lutheran Church in the Foyer, located at 701 S. Defiance St. in Stryker. * Tuesday, Feb. 11, from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. at Ck Tech, located at 1701 Magda Drive in Montpelier. * Thursday, Feb. 13, from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. at the Knights of Columbus in the All Purpose Room, located at 1216 Buffalo Road 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. Individuals should bring their Red Cross blood donor card or other form of positive ID when they 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
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