Rolling Up a Sleeve – Southside Times

By Kelly Williams

Indiana’s blood supply is below normal, creating what Celina Fabrizio, vice president of national media relations for Indiana’s Versiti Blood Center, calls a dire state of need.

“Between the recent tragedies that have struck the Midwest as well as the loss of appointments due to holidays and special events, the need is more than urgent,” Fabrizio said.

Versiti is a leading provider of blood services, products and specialty services to more than 60 hospitals throughout Indiana and says more than 2,400 blood donations a day are needed to maintain a safe and healthy blood supply. adequate for patients in need in Indiana.

The American Red Cross expands on Versiti’s explanation by citing that every two seconds someone in the United States needs blood or platelets.

Regardless of geographic location, the generosity of one hour and one pint of blood donor has the potential to save the lives of three people at risk of surgery, organ transplants, traumatic injury, being burned, having a blood disorder and/or suffering from pregnancy complications.

Demand for both blood groups remains high even though the blood group most often donated is O-positive. However, because O-negative blood can be given to anyone, it is often in greatest demand with the shortest supply, with only 7% of Americans being O-negative blood types.

“As hospitals approach severe supply shortages, decisions regarding the use and conservation of supply can only be made. There is no substitute for blood, it must be donated,” Fabrizio said.

Russell Broughton (left), Melanie Allen, Jessica Minton, Lesley Rhoden, Carrie Hanni, Mitchell Hartz, Alex Huth and Kristina Lakins attend a blood drive at Kemper CPA. Similar campaigns in the region will help alleviate blood shortages. (Photo provided by Kemper CPA)

Many Southside businesses and organizations have been holding blood drives for years and continue to do so during this time. Greenwood VFW Post 5864 has had some successful blood drives with another company and will host a drive with Versiti on March 15 from 2-6 p.m. at 578 Commerce Parkway W. Drive.

“We’ll probably do this two or three times a year,” said station commander Steve Milbourn. “As veterans, we have a higher calling, and it’s important that we help those who need help.”

Beginning with registration, then a brief medical examination, blood donation, and then refreshments, the whole process takes an average of one hour, while the blood draw itself only takes about six minutes, and the most people are eligible.

Donors 17 or older are eligible without parental consent, while 16-year-olds can donate but require parental permission. All donors have photo ID that includes their date of birth, and those vaccinated must wait 48 hours after receiving the vaccine before donating blood.

Giving blood is one way to demonstrate civic responsibility, while for local businesses, faith-based organizations, schools and youth groups and community or civic clubs that organize a blood drive, it is another. . Creating a theme around your blood drive or partnering with other local organizations that want to participate in a small blood drive contest are simple suggestions that can help create a fun atmosphere to encourage donors to participate.

For those interested in arranging a local drive, contact Shannon Crawford, Donor Recruitment, Versiti/Indiana Blood Center at (317) 995-1713 to schedule a time the blood mobile will be available.

Versiti’s website says donating blood is a great way to show civic responsibility, community pride and maturity. In addition, he encourages his regular blood donors to donate again. But for those who have never donated blood, now is the perfect time to step up and help save lives, because the blood on the shelves today saves lives tomorrow.

For more information on donating blood, donation sites, arranging a blood drive, and/or other blood donation questions, please visit versiti.org.

Where are the local Versiti blood drives?

Greenwood Christian Church

2045 Averitt Road, Greenwood

February 13, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Rocklane Christian Church

4430 Rocklane Road, Greenwood

February 20, 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Southern Community Hospital

1402 E County Line Road, Indianapolis

February 23, 3:25 p.m. – 6 p.m.

Franciscan Alliance – ESSC and Sierra Building

1040 Sierra Drive, Greenwood

February 24, 8 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.

Franciscan Health at Stones Crossing

1703 W. Stones Crossing Road, Greenwood

February 24, 12:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

New Hope Church

5307 Fairview Road West, Greenwood

March 3, 4:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

VFW 5864 substation

578 Commerce Pkwy W Drive, Greenwood

March 15, 2 p.m. – 6 p.m.

Indiana Members Credit Union

5103 Madison Ave, Indianapolis

March 21, 9:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Greenwood Corner

8739 SUS Highway 31 S., Indianapolis

Mondays, Tuesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays

Make an appointment: (317) 888-5017

For more information: donate.indiana.versiti.org/donor/schedules/county

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