Witham Health Services in Lebanon has announced that it will host a blood drive tomorrow, Wednesday, June 19 on the Lebanon campus to support Versiti for its life-saving efforts and support.
Witham has an extensive history working alongside the Versiti Blood Center of Indiana where it has participated in quarterly corporate blood drives to allow Witham employees to give back to the community at their own convenience. The blood drive will also be open to the public on June 19.
Witham released a statement regarding the necessity of blood donations throughout the nation, citing sources that state that every two seconds, someone in the United States requires blood for an operations, transfusion or other need, and despite a reported 550 donors needed per day for local hospitals to maintain the demand, Versiti has instead seen a decrease in the number of donors.
“Heading into the summer months, Versiti has seen a drastic drop in scheduled appointments, with nearly 25 percent of their blood collections coming from their high school and college partners, meaning that when it’s summer vacation, those community blood drives are not happening,” the center released. “Unfortunately, the need for blood does not take a summer vacation. While Versiti anticipates this dip every year, the situation is compounded by the fact that they are also seeing fewer first-time donors walking through the doors.”
Witham stated that one donation of blood by a donor would benefit three Indiana patients in need.
Potential donors must be at least 17-years-old, or 16-years-old with a parental consent form signed, weigh a minimum of 110 pounds and be in good general health. Donors must also present a photo identification, such as a driver’s license, to be approved for the donation.
The blood drive scheduled for June 19 at the Lebanon location’s main campus will be open to community members alongside Witham employees. Donors may enter the building at the North Pavilion at 2705 N. Lebanon St. through entrance A and follow the directions to the North Pavilion Conference Rooms. Interested donors are encouraged schedule online at donate.indiana.versity.org/donor.
Witham stated that walk-in appointments will also be accepted. For additional information, call 765-485-8120.
