Battle for Blood continues

Press release from the American Red Cross:

Battle for Blood Continues
Fire Department and TRAA Narrowly Lead Competition

The 15th annual Battle for Blood is underway and so far 591 pints of blood and 306 platelet products have been collected on goals of 1,000 and 500 respectively. The Fort Wayne Fire Department and Three Rivers Ambulance Authority are currently ahead in the vote tally with 374 donor votes compared to the Police and Sheriff’s Departments’ 362 votes.

The Battle for Blood continues through Saturday, Dec. 26 at the Fort Wayne and Lutheran Hospital Donor Centers. All presenting donors will receive a t-shirt. Pizza Hut pizza and Tom’s donuts will be served.

When many are busy with shopping, holiday parties and preparations, blood donation can be forgotten. The need for blood never takes a holiday, though. Approximately 500 pints of blood are needed every day in the American Red Cross Indiana-Ohio Region.

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. 21 – Wednesday Dec. 23: 8 a.m. – 7 p.m.
• Thursday, Dec. 24: 8 a.m. – 12 noon
• Saturday, 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. 21 – Wednesday, Dec. 23: 12 noon – 6 p.m.
• Thursday, Dec. 24 & Saturday, Dec 26: 6 a.m. – 12 noon

How to Donate Blood
To schedule an appointment to donate please call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE (1-800-448-3543) or visit RedCrossBlood.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.