INDIANAPOLIS — It's a problem that seems to crop up each year during and around the holidays. Not enough people donate blood, and that has the American Red Cross concerned.
Blood and platelet donations are needed, especially Type O.
The Red Cross blames holiday travel and severe winter weather for the decline in donations since the start of December. But as the organization points out, the need for blood doesn't take a vacation. Blood and platelets are needed for treatment of cancer and leukemia, accident, burn and surgical patients.
As an incentive to donate, those who do between now and January 5 will receive a long-sleeved Red Cross T-shirt.
There a dozens and donation opportunities in coming days around Central Indiana. Here are just a few:
- Boone County: 12/28, 1-5 p.m, Whitestown Muncipal Complex, 6201 Veterans Drive.
- Hamilton County: 12/22, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., Fishers, Kroger, 11700 Olio Road.
- Hendricks County: 12/19, 3-7 p.m., Plainfield, The Claddagh, Perry Crossing Way
- Marion County: 12/23, 10 a.m. 3 p.m., Indianapolis, I.U. Health Methodist Hospital, 1701 Senate Boulevard
- Wayne County: 12/19, 1 - 6 p.m., Richmond. Central United Methodist Church, 1425 East Main Street
- Bartholomew County: 12/26, 2 - 6 p.m., Columbus, Culver's, 90 Johnson Boulevard
- Brown County: 12/27, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., Nashville, YMCA, 105 Willow Street
- Decatur County: 12/23, 2 - 6 p.m., Greensburg, Walmart, 710 East Freeland Road
- Johnson County: 12/26, 2 -6 p.m., Franklin, Public Library, 401 State Street
- Monroe County, 12/21, 8 a.m. - 2 p.m., Bloomington, Blood Donation Center, 1600 West 3rd Street
For a complete list of all blood donation sites, go to: www.redcrossblood.orgor call: 1-800-733-2767