Winter storm impact creates urgent need for donors
The REPORTER
The massive snowstorm may be over, but the winter weather left a serious gap in the local blood supply. In this short period, numerous blood drives and donation appointments were canceled due to weather and closures.
Unfortunately, blood cannot be stockpiled. When donations pause, local patients still need care for surgeries, trauma responses, cancer treatments and emergency transfusions.
Community call to action
The Versiti Blood Center of Indiana is calling on all Hoosiers, as soon as it is safe, to keep their appointments this week, reschedule, or sign up to donate. If you are healthy and able to donate, now is a powerful time to act.
Versiti’s blood centers in Indiana are now open for donations. Donors can also check Versiti.org to find a mobile drive in their area that is still scheduled.
Hamilton County locations include:
- Carmel: 726 Adams St., Suite 150
- Fishers: 11005 Allisonville Road
Why you should donate
- Blood cannot be manufactured or stockpiled for long.
- Each day of lost collections puts a strain on the resources available for local patients.
- When severe weather keeps donors at home, the impact is felt immediately by local hospitals.
- Versiti serves more than 80 hospitals across Indiana.
Anyone who signs up to donate blood with Versiti at its donor center through the rest of January will receive a $25 e-gift card. Donors should enter the word FREEZE in the appointment notes when registering online.
To find a blood drive near you or to book an appointment, visit Versiti.org or call 1-800-632-4722. Appointments are preferred, but walk-ins are welcomed.