Daily Journal
When kids are out of school, the level of blood donations often drops; but the need for blood knows no vacation. So now is a good time to think about donating the gift of life.
Sunday is World Blood Donor Day. The World Health Organization designates the day to encourage people to donate. The theme this year is “Thank you for saving my life.” It focuses on thanking blood donors who save lives every day through their blood donations and strongly encourages more people all over the world to donate blood voluntarily and regularly with the slogan “Give freely, give often. Blood donation matters.”
All blood types are needed to keep shelves stocked, but there is always an urgent need for type O negative, O positive, B negative and A negative blood. Type O negative is universal and often can be transfused to nearly anyone who needs blood. Types A negative and B negative can be transfused to patients with either Rh positive or negative blood.
Platelets, a clotting component of blood often needed by cancer patients, also are needed. Platelets must be transfused within five days of donation, so donations are constantly needed.
Several blood drives have been scheduled over the next few weeks across the area. To donate, visit donorpoint.org to make an appointment or for information.
A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. If you are 17 years of age, weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health, you 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.
Do your part to help others in our community and elsewhere. Make the time to donate blood.
Donating a pint could save someone’s life.
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MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES, noon to 4 p.m. today, 1200 N Mitsubishi Parkway, Franklin, donorpoint.org
FRANCISCAN ST. FRANCIS HEALTH, 1-4 p.m. Friday, 421 N. Emerson Ave., Greenwood, donorpoint.org
SS. FRANCIS AND CLARE CATHOLIC CHURCH, 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, 5901 W. Olive Branch Road, Greenwood, donorpoint.org
BARGERSVILLE COMMUNITY DAY, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, 24 N. Main St., Bargersville, donorpoint.org
MOUNT AUBURN UNITED METHODIST CHURCH, 8:30 a.m. to noon Sunday, 3100 W. Stones Crossing Road, Greenwood, donorpoint.org
JOHNSON COUNTY COURTHOUSE ANNEX, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday, 86 W. Court St., Franklin, donorpoint.org
RADWELL INTERNATIONAL, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. June 22, 600 N. Forsythe St., Franklin, donorpoint.org
CROSSROAD COMMUNITY CHURCH, 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. June 27, 917 E. Banta Road, Indianapolis, donorpoint.org
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Blood donations often drop during the summer months.
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The need for donated blood is constant, so help save lives by giving blood.
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