05/11/12 While Memorial Day may signal the unofficial start of summer, the holiday’s true meaning is inescapable for those wishing to honor members of the United States Armed Forces.

Making a blood donation through your American Red Cross is one way to pay homage to the service men and women who protect and defend our nation. Coming to donate blood before, during or after the long weekend can also help strengthen and maintain America’s blood supply for the summer season.

Day in and day out, hospital patients need blood for emergency and ongoing care related to serious illness, accident or trauma. In fact, every two seconds, someone in American needs blood. But while that need is constant, the number of people donating blood isn’t. Blood donors may travel, start new routines, or simply overlook donating blood—especially during the summer when people spend more time doing recreational or seasonal activities.

Come to donate May 1 through May 31 and be entered into a region-wide monthly drawing for a $500 gasoline gift card.

UPCOMING AMERICAN RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVES IN OUR AREA ARE: 

  • Sunday, May 20, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the Indiana National Guard, located at 1220 West Madison Street in Plymouth.  
  • Thursday, May 24, from 8:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. at the Bremen High School in the Lion’s Den, located at 511 West Grant Street in Bremen.  Come to donate and receive a t-shirt.  This blood drive is sponsored by the BHS Key Club.
  • Wednesday, May 30, from 11:30 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. at St. Isidore Hall, located at 803 West Bike Street in Bremen.  This is a Fallen Officer 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.