INDIANAPOLIS — This Sunday is World Blood Donation Day and in Indianapolis, the American Red Cross will be looking for donors at the Indiana State Fairgrounds.
A blood drive sponsored by the Red Cross and Anheuser Busch takes place at the fairground's event center from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The COVID-19 pandemic has created an on-going need for donations as hospitals resume surgical procedures and patient treatments that were temporarily paused earlier this spring in response to the virus.
“This is a time to take care of one another as we all deal with the challenges of a pandemic,” said Sharon Smith, communications director, Indiana State Fairgrounds & Event Center. “Giving blood is one way we can make a difference right now to help our neighbors. We are proud to partner with the Red Cross to offer Indiana residents this opportunity to give back. We truly are all in this together, so let’s take care of each other and donate blood.”
Healthy individuals who are feeling well are asked to make an appointment to donate by downloading the free Red Cross Blood Donor App [americanredcrossbiomed.pr-optout.com], visiting RedCrossBlood.org [americanredcrossbiomed.pr-optout.com], calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enabling the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device. The sponsor code for this event is “instatefair”.
Donors should enter off Fall Creek Parkway through Gate 6 or off 38th Street through Gate 1. Check in and donations will be taken at Grand Hall, which is located directly across from the Indiana Farmers Coliseum. Parking is free.
Every year on June 14, countries around the world celebrate World Blood Donor Day. The event, established in 2004, serves to raise awareness of the need for safe blood and blood products, and to thank blood donors for their voluntary, life-saving gifts of blood.
