Find a Blood Drive
Find a Blood Drive
FORT WAYNE, Ind. (Sept. 16, 2019) — The American Red Cross is pleased to announce a $25,000 grant from Foellinger Foundation, funding a blood courier vehicle to deliver vital blood products to Fort Wayne area hospitals. A ribbon-cutting celebration will be held Monday, Sept. 23 at 9 a.m. at the Red Cross blood donation center located at 1212 E. California Rd., Fort Wayne, IN 46825.
The vehicle, a Dodge ProMaster City Cargo Van, will be used for regular daily blood deliveries to area hospitals, including Parkview Health and Lutheran Health Network. On average, the Red Cross coordinates 10 regularly scheduled daily deliveries to six hospitals in Allen County.
“We are incredibly grateful to Foellinger Foundation for their gift, which will no doubt touch countless hospital patient lives,” said Katherine Mac Aulay, executive director for the Red Cross of Northeast Indiana.
According to the Red Cross, every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs a blood transfusion. “There are so many reasons why someone may need blood that we don’t even realize,” said Mac Aulay. “We take for granted that blood will be there at the hospital when we need it, but there are actually volunteers and vehicles working behind the scenes to make sure patients get the blood they need. This new vehicle will allow us to continue to meet that mission.”
The Red Cross supplies more than 40 percent of the nation’s blood and needs an average of 450 blood donations each day to support patients at 80 hospitals in Indiana alone. Those interested in donating blood are encouraged to find a Red Cross donation opportunity at RedCrossBlood.org, 1-800-RED CROSS or enable the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device.
Ribbon-Cutting Event:
· DATE: Monday, Sept. 23, 2019
· TIME: 9 a.m.
· PLACE: American Red Cross of Northeast Indiana, 1212 E. California Rd., Fort Wayne, IN 46825
How to donate blood
Simply download the American 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.