The American Red Cross Indiana Region and WTHR are partnering for the annual Knock Out The Need Blood Drive to help save lives. The community is invited to donate blood at upcoming blood drives at seven locations across the area on Wednesday, September 2, and Thursday, September 3.  

“While we’re no longer facing a national blood crisis, the blood supply remains extremely vulnerable, with new seasonal challenges like end-of-summer travel and back-to-school activities,” said Regional Donor Services Executive Julie Brady. “Every blood donation is critical, and we’re proud to partner with WTHR for our Knock Out The Need Blood Drive to encourage donors to give now.”

Thousands of people have answered the call to help save lives following the Red Cross declaration of the blood crisis in late July. The Red Cross still urgently needs people to make and keep donation appointments now as we continue stabilizing the blood supply over the next severe weeks. To schedule an appointment, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) and use sponsor code knockouttheneed.

“WTHR is proud to once again partner with the American Red Cross for the ‘Knock Out The Need’ blood drive,” said WTHR President and General Manager Brent Denny. “The need for blood is constant, and every donation can make a lifesaving difference for someone in our community. We’re grateful for the generosity of Hoosiers who answer the call and encourage everyone who can to roll up their sleeves and give.”

Join us during the Knock Out The Need Blood Drive:

Wednesday, September 2 | 1:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Thursday, September 3 | 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

American Red Cross Blood and Platelet Donation Center

14765 Hazel Dell Crossing, Suite 700, Noblesville, IN 46062

Benjamin Harrison YMCA

5736 Lee Road, Indianapolis, IN 46216

Ivy Tech Community College – Lamkin Hall 

200 Daniels Way, Bloomington, IN 47404

Church at Main

1500 E. Main St., Brownsburg, IN 46112

First Lutheran Church Columbus – Fellowship Hall

3600 E. 25^th St., Columbus, IN 47203

Hancock County Fairgrounds – 4-H Building

620 Apple St., Greenfield, IN 46140

Indiana University Kokomo – Kelley Student Center, Room 130

2450 S. Washington St., Kokomo, IN 46902

Presenting donors will receive a Knock Out The Need Blood Drive T-shirt, while supplies last.

All who come to give Sept. 1-20, 2026, will receive a Red Cross x Hello Kitty^® collectible item, while supplies last. Sign up to be the first to know when we make the reveal: RedCrossBlood.org/HelloKitty.

How to donate blood

All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

About the American Red Cross Indiana Region:
The American Red Cross of Indiana Region serves 6.9 million people in 104 counties in Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky and Ohio through its chapters: Northeast, Northwest, Southeast, Southwest, and Greater Indianapolis (Regional Headquarters). The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit us at Redcross.org/Indiana or follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram @indianaredcross.