Bluffton's next American Red Cross blood drive is from noon to 6 p.m., Thursday, April 7, at St. Mary's Catholic Church. The Bluffton drive is part of National Volunteer Week slated for April 10 through 16.

How to Donate Blood
To schedule an appointment to donate call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) 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.

National Volunteer Week runs April 10 through 16 and celebrates the millions of people who dedicate themselves to taking action that helps better their communities.

The week also provides opportunities to inspire, recognize and encourage people to seek out and engage in activities that can effect positive social change.

"Everywhere you look, you'll find a story about ordinary people accomplishing extraordinary things through volunteer service, including blood donation," said Sharyn Whitman, CEO for the Indiana-Ohio Blood Services Region of the American Red Cross. "And that's cause for celebration."

National Volunteer Week was established by President Richard Nixon in 1974, and continues to grow in scope through the support of all subsequent U.S. presidents and other elected officials.

At the American Red Cross, volunteers constitute 96 percent of the total work force needed to carry out the organization's humanitarian mission. Around 155,000 volunteers assist Red Cross staff in collecting 40 percent of the nation's blood supply from about 4 million volunteer blood donors.

In addition, more than a half million people a year deliver Red Cross services in areas such as disaster relief, health and safety training, and support to military members and their families.

"Volunteers show all of us that you can make a difference in today's world," said Whitman. "We invite you to join the millions of people who help save the day by donating blood or giving of your time and talents through the American Red Cross."

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.