01/31/12  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. And with February being American Heart Month, it’s a great time to put your heart into a worthwhile cause: helping to build the nation’s blood supply through your American Red Cross.

Since 1963, the President of the United States has proclaimed February as American Heart Month. And while February is just one of 12 months, matters of the heart are worthy of attention year-round.

Heart disease is one of the top health concerns among most ethnic groups in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. With increased awareness, many Americans are taking steps to prevent and control factors that put them at greater risk for heart disease, including making simple lifestyle changes and taking prescribed medications.

People who take medications to control blood pressure and cholesterol aren’t necessarily deferred from donating blood. And donors who have experienced angina, heart attacks, or heart surgeries, may also be eligible to give blood as long as they have been approved by their health care provider, are symptom-free, and have not had a heart-related incident in six months.

UPCOMING AMERICAN RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVES IN YOUR AREA:

  • Wednesday, Feb. 1, from 11:30 a.m.      until 5:30 p.m. at St. Isidore Hall, located at 803 W. Bike St. in Bremen.
  • Thursday, Feb. 9, from 10 a.m.      until 3 p.m. at Ancilla College in Evergreen Room C231, located at 9601 S.      Union Road in Donaldson.  Come to donate and be entered into a      drawing for a $25 Visa gift card.  Please call (574) 936-8898, ext.      384 to schedule your blood donation appointment.
  • Saturday, Feb. 11, from 12:30 p.m.      until 4:30 p.m. at Bremen Elementary Middle School in the gymnasium,      located at 700 W. South St. in Bremen.  This is a Pint Size Heroes      blood drive.
  • Monday, Feb. 13, from 1:30 p.m.      until 6:30 p.m. at Jefferson Elementary School in the gymnasium, located      at 401 Klinger St. in Plymouth.  This is a Pint Size Heroes blood      drive.

  

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. Please bring your Red Cross blood donor card or other form of positive ID when you come to donate.