Mark your calendars now to help the Red Cross by donating blood

INDIANAPOLIS — The American Red Cross is calling for donors of all blood types, especially those with type O blood, to race to give blood and help refuel the blood supply.

This spring, the Red Cross is teaming up with INDYCAR® to urge people to help keep the blood supply on track by donating blood or platelets. Schedule a donation appointment by downloading the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting Redcrossblood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enabling the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device.

As a special thank-you, those who come to give blood or platelets April 1-15 will automatically be entered to win a VIP trip for four to the 2022 Indianapolis 500®. The Red Cross will also automatically enter all who come to give in April for a chance to win one of five $1,000 e-gift cards to a merchant of choice. Additional details are available at Redcrossblood.org/indy500.

Each Red Cross blood drive and donation center follows the highest standards of safety and infection control, and additional precautions – including temperature checks, social distancing and face coverings for donors and staff – have been implemented to help protect the health of all those in attendance. Donors are asked to schedule an appointment prior to arriving at the drive and are required to wear a face covering or mask while at the drive, in alignment with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention public guidance.

Upcoming blood donation opportunities April 1-15 include:

Lima: April 6, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., American Red Cross Allen County Chapter House Lima, 610 S. Collett

Street and

April 13, noon - 6 p.m., American Red Cross Allen County Chapter House Lima, 610 S. Collett Street

New Knoxville: April 9, noon - 6 p.m., First Church of New Knoxville, 105 St Marys Street

St. Marys: April 13, noon - 5 p.m., Union Hall Local 200, 227 E. South Street

Wapakoneta: April 1, 11:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m., St. Joseph Catholic Church, 101 W. Pearl Street