Indiana’s largest one-day blood drive was a bust. The Indiana Blood Center expected to see more than 2,000 people at the annual Bleed Blue Blood Drive last weekend. However, an ice storm impacted roads and the turnout.
“Because of the weather, we saw about half the number of donors that we needed," says the Blood Center’s Andrea Fagan. "So the impact to us and to hospital patients is profound.”
The lower-than-expected attendance has put the need for blood donations at a critical level.
“We are far, far behind the units we need going into Christmas and New Year’s,” Fagan says.
The Indiana Blood Center is asking the community to come into one of seven donor centers around the state for Bleed Blue Part Two. Those who donate at the 3450 N. Meridian St. location in Indianapolis through Dec. 24 will receive a limited edition autographed Adam Vinatieri football.
Other dates and locations include:
Thursday, Dec. 22 - Greenwood
8739 South US Highway 31
Friday, Dec. 23 - Terre Haute
2021 South Third Street
Monday, Dec. 26 - Columbus
Columbus Regional Health
1706 Hawcreek Avenue
Tuesday, Dec. 27 - Avon
Hendricks Regional Health YMCA
301 Satori Parkway
Tuesday, Dec. 27 - Carmel
726 Adams Street, Suite 150
Tuesday, Dec. 27 - Muncie
1609 West McGalliard Road
Wednesday, Dec. 28 - Fishers
7458 East Fishers Station Drive
Wednesday, Dec. 28 - Lafayette
2200 Elmwood Avenue, Suite D-16
Thursday, Dec. 29 - Downtown Indianapolis
3450 North Meridian Street
More information and appointment schedules are available on the Blood Center's Bleed Blue web page, or by calling 317-916-5150 or 800-632-4722 ext 5150.
