Find a Blood Drive
Find a Blood Drive
INDIANAPOLIS (Feb. 6, 2020) – Indiana lawmakers are out for blood and bragging rights in the 12th annual American Red Cross Indiana Statehouse Blood Donor Challenge blood drive. The lawmakers invite the community to join them in giving blood Wednesday, Feb. 19, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the statehouse in the south atrium. This event has a goal of collecting 100 blood donations to support patients in need right as the Red Cross works to recover from a critical winter blood shortage.
The Statehouse Blood Donor Challenge comes at the perfect time, and is a friendly competition among the House, Senate, LSA, Judicial and Executive branches of the Indiana state government. The winning group will take the traveling trophy and bragging rights for the next year. The community is urged to join their state representatives in the lifesaving mission of the Red Cross by giving blood. Additionally, the Red Cross will be urging the community to become trained in hands-only CPR to celebrate National Heart Month. CPR training is scheduled at 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 2 p.m.
Since this blood donor challenge began 11 years ago, it has resulted in 765 blood donations being given through the Red Cross. Blood donation is just one of many services offered by the Red Cross which will be highlighted. The Red Cross is the only blood services provider that also offers health and safety training, serves as a vital communication link between military personnel and their families, teaches disaster preparedness, and provides relief to victims of disasters. Available at the event the Red Cross will offer hands only CPR demonstrations, games, information about disaster services and an opportunity to sign a Red Cross flag which will be sent to Indiana National Guard members who are deployed overseas.
“Patients need blood every day and not nearly enough people give,” said Chad Priest, Regional CEO of the Red Cross Indiana Region. “When you give blood with the Red Cross you may be helping someone’s friend, neighbor, family or loved one live to see another day. This challenge is a great reminder that you can help save lives by giving blood with the Red Cross, or getting involved in one of our other lines of service.”
Blood donations made through the Red Cross help Indiana residents who need transfusions, like 7th grade student Cameron Kirk in Danville who is battling cancer, 4-year-old Makayla Willett in Fort Wayne dealing with a rare blood disorder, or seventh grader Brady Prosser in Angola recovering from severe burns. There are many reasons why someone may need a blood transfusion on any given day.
The Red Cross depends on blood donor heroes across the nation to collect enough blood to meet the needs of patients at approximately 2,500 hospitals nationwide. In Indiana alone, the Red Cross needs about 350 donors each day to support patients at 80 hospitals across the state. Donors of all blood types, especially type O, are needed to help those rely on blood products.
Indiana Statehouse Red Cross Blood Donor Challenge
Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2020
9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Indiana State Capitol Building, South Atrium
200 West Washington St., Indianapolis, IN 46204
Make an appointment by downloading the free Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767), and use sponsor code: Indiana Legislature.
How to donate blood
Simply download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enable the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.
Blood and platelet donors can save time at their next donation by using RapidPass® to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, before arriving at the blood drive. To get started, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Blood Donor App.
About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% 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 cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.