Focusing on the idea that every one of us can become a hero by giving blood will be the focus of World Blood Donor Day on June 14.

“The need for blood is universal, just like air or water,” said Sharyn Whitman, CEO for the Indiana-Ohio Blood Services Region of the American Red Cross. “World Blood Donor Day provides the chance for all of us to recognize that blood is essential to health care across the globe.”

With the 2012 theme “Every Blood Donor is a Hero,” organizers of World Blood Donor Day are working to boost the number of people on every continent who give blood on a regular basis. Worldwide, about 92 million blood donations are made each year. But according to the World Health Organization, more than 70 countries have blood donation rates that are considered less than necessary to meet basic blood needs. In the United States, about 38 percent of the population is eligible to give blood, but only a fraction actually donates.

“Every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood,” said Whitman. “Patients with emergency and ongoing medical needs depend on blood from volunteer donors to help save their lives.”

“Volunteer blood donors who give on a regular basis are the silent and unsung heroes who help save lives every day through their blood donations,” said Whitman. “In a world that’s getting more complex every day, it’s nice to know the simple act of giving blood can make a huge difference.”

Come to donate now through June 30 and be entered into a region-wide monthly drawing for a $500 gasoline gift card.

UPCOMING AREA AMERICAN RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVES

• Tuesday, June 19, from 1 p.m. until 6 p.m. at the North Webster Church of God in the Fellowship Hall, located at 302 N. Main St., North Webster.
• Tuesday, June 19, from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. at Kosciusko Community Hospital, located at 2101 Dubois Drive in Warsaw. Please go to the Red Cross website and enter sponsor code “kchosp” to schedule your blood donation appointment.

How to Donate Blood
To schedule an appointment to donate please 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 Indiana and Ohio), 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.