The next Red Cross Blood Drive in Bluffton is taking place on Thursday, Feb. 7, from noon until 6 p.m. at First Mennonite, 101 S. Jackson St.  

February is American Heart Month and it is a good time to give and help patients who require blood.

“Blood donations help many types of patients, including cardiac patients who are one of the leading users of blood and blood products,” said Tracy Duncan Fox, Communications Manager, with the Indiana-Ohio Blood Services Region of the Red Cross. “When individuals roll up their sleeve, they help build the blood supply. This is important anytime, but especially during the cold, wintry months when blood donations tend to decline. It’s important that the blood is on the shelf when hospital patients need a transfusion.”

“We’re asking more people, young and old alike, to have a heart and give blood this February. “If you’re healthy and can give, your donation can help make a difference.”

How to Donate Blood

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. Individuals should bring their Red Cross blood donor card or other form of positive ID when they 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 60 hospitals.  The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit www.redcross.org or join our blog at http://blog.redcross.org.