Urgent need for donors to help keep blood supply stable

The American Red Cross has an urgent need for donors and is counting on people to act now and book a time to give blood or platelets. Donors of all blood types and those giving platelets are needed to keep a strong supply of lifesaving blood products on hospital shelves into the summer.

As summer heat ramps up, so do people’s plans, which could lead to postponed appointments or less opportunities to give ─ an especially troubling scenario at a time where the Red Cross has experienced an alarming drop in scheduled donations in recent weeks. In addition to many end-of-school year activities, travel and school breaks, June 1 marked the beginning of Atlantic hurricane season ─ a reminder that severe weather can also quickly disrupt the ability to donate in affected areas and potentially delay or cancel blood drives.

Take action today. To schedule a blood or platelet donation appointment, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS or use the Red Cross Blood Donor App.

As a thank-you for those who step up to give, all who come to give through June 28 will receive a $15 e-gift card to a merchant of their choice, plus be automatically entered for a chance to win one of two $7,500 gift cards. See RedCrossBlood.org/June for details.

Upcoming Donation Opportunities

Carmel

• June 12 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at IU Health North Hospital, 11700 Meridian St.

Fishers

• June 20 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Fishers YMCA, 9012 E. 126^th
• June 25 from noon to 5 p.m. at Harley-Davidson of Indianapolis, 12400 Reynolds Drive
• June 25 from 1 to 6 p.m. at IU Health Fishers Medical Office Building, 13100 E. 136th St.

Noblesville

• June 11, 18, and 25 from noon to 6:30 p.m. at the Noblesville Blood Donation Center
• June 13, 16, 20, 23, and 27 from 8 a.m. to 2:15 p.m. at the Noblesville Blood Donation Center
• June 17 and 24 from noon to 6:15 p.m. at the Noblesville Blood Donation Center, 14765 Hazel Dell Crossing, Suite 700

Westfield

• June 11 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Ascension St. Vincent YMCA, 874 Virginia Rose Ave.