In conjunction with the American Heart Association’s national Go Red for Women Day on February 6, the community of Valparaiso will be celebrating with red banners, a special breakfast and various initiatives to raise awareness of heart disease.
The Valpo Chamber, along with the Indiana Blood Center, will host a blood drive in front of the Chamber office at 162 W. Lincolnway. The bloodmobile will be on hand from 8:30am to 1:00pm, accepting donations from chamber members and residents alike. To schedule an appointment, go to http://www.donorpoint.org/ and click on Find a Drive. Walk-ins will also be accepted on the day of the drive.
Here are a few facts about blood donation:
*Every two seconds, someone needs blood – nearly 40,000 units of blood are used throughout the country every day.
*The blood supply needs constant replenishment – people with chronic illness may require up to 200 units of blood.
*Most people – 17 years & older, 110 pound minimum, good general health -- are eligible to give blood.
*Indiana Blood Center provides blood to more than 60 hospitals in Indiana.
*Nearly all blood used for transfusion in the United States is drawn from volunteer donors – hole blood may be donated every 56 days.
*Each donor receives a free mini-physical that checks for anemia, body temperature, pulse and blood pressure.
Please join us February 6 for this special opportunity. Donors will have a chance to win a $20 chamber gift certificate, awarded every hour of the drive, and redeemable at over 100 locations.
Don’t forget to bring a picture I.D.
Rex G. Richards, President