15th Annual Battle for Blood kicks off 12/14/2009

Press release from American Red Cross:

15th Annual Battle for Blood Kicks Off Dec. 14
Local First Responders Join Forces to Increase Blood Donations

The stakes are high for the 15th annual Battle for Blood. The Fort Wayne Fire Department and Three Rivers Ambulance Authority came out on top in last year’s competition against the Fort Wayne Police Department and Allen County Sheriff’s Department. This year the Indiana State Police join the competition. Time will tell if the addition will be enough to give the police and sheriff’s team a win for the first time since 2005.

Battle for Blood is a friendly competition between firefighters, police officers, and first responders to see who can bring in the most blood donations and votes. “Donating blood is a great way for everyone in the community to show support for local heroes. The need for blood is constant and you never know when you or someone you love may need it,” said Sharyn Whitman, CEO of Indiana-Ohio Blood Services Region of the American Red Cross. “We hope everyone will come out to donate blood and show their support for the first responders in our community,” said Whitman.

Battle for Blood locations and times are as follows:

Fort Wayne Donor Center located at 1212 E. California Rd., (across from the Memorial Coliseum)

• Monday, Dec. 14: 6 a.m. – 7 p.m.
• Tuesday, Dec. 15 – Thursday, Dec. 17: 8 a.m. – 7 p.m.
• Friday, Dec. 18 & Saturday, Dec. 19: 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.
• Monday, Dec. 21 – Wednesday, Dec. 23: 8 a.m. – 7 p.m.
• Thursday, Dec. 24: 8 a.m. – 12 noonSaturday, Dec. 26: 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Lutheran Hospital Donor Center located at 7900 W. Jefferson Blvd., Suite 107, (in the South Lobby of Lutheran Hospital near the gift shop)

• Monday, Dec. 14 – Wednesday, Dec. 16: 12 noon – 6 p.m.
• Thursday, Dec. 17 – Saturday, Dec. 19: 6 a.m. – 12 noon
• Monday, Dec. 21 – Wednesday, Dec. 23: 12 noon – 6 p.m.
• Thursday, Dec. 24 & Saturday, Dec. 26: 6 a.m. – 12 noon

The 2009 Battle for Blood is sponsored by Indiana’s NewsCenter, Pizza Hut and WBCL. All presenting donors will receive a t-shirt. Pizza Hut pizza and Tom’s donuts will be served.

Won’t you take time this holiday season to give the gift of life to others? Call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE or visit givelife.org to schedule your blood donation appointment.

How to Donate Blood
To schedule an appointment to donate please call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE (1-800-448-3543) or visit IndianaOhioRedCross.org for more information. Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental permission in some states), 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.

About the American Red Cross
The Indiana-Ohio Blood Services Region serves northern and central Indiana and northwestern Ohio, and needs to collect about 500 units of blood a day to meet patient need in more than 60 hospitals. In addition to providing blood to our community, the American Red Cross also provides relief to victims of disaster, trains millions in lifesaving skills, serves as a communication link between U.S. military members and their families, and assists victims of international disasters or conflicts.