Lafayette to host more blood drives in January

LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) - National Blood Donor Month has really taken off, according to the American Red Cross, and a few more Lafayette blood drives are scheduled.

“Every day in our country, approximately 44,000 units of blood are needed in hospitals to help treat trauma victims, surgery patients, organ transplant patients, premature babies and patients receiving treatment for cancer and other diseases,” said Sharyn Whitman, CEO of the Red Cross Indiana-Ohio Blood Services Region. “As the new year begins, it is the perfect time to honor donors for their commitment to helping save lives through the simple act of giving blood and platelets throughout the year.”

All blood types are still needed to ensure an adequate blood supply. Donors with type O negative, O positive, A negative or B negative blood are especially encouraged to give.

Upcoming blood donation opportunities:
• Wednesday, Jan. 23, from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. at Faith Church in the Faith Community Center Multi-Purpose Room, located at 5572 Mercy Way in Lafayette.
• Wednesday, Jan. 30, and Thursday, Jan. 31, from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. at Purdue University in the Neil Armstrong Hall of Engineering Atrium, located at 701 W. Stadium Avenue in West Lafayette. Come to donate and be entered into a drawing for a $50 shopping spree. This blood drive is sponsored by the Red Cross Club of Purdue University.

To donate blood, simply call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org 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 (16 with parental consent in Indiana and Ohio), 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.