The community is invited to donate blood in honor of Geovani Galvez at an American Red Cross blood drive on Tuesday, August 13 from 1 to 6 p.m. at the Indianapolis EMS Conference Center, 3976 Georgetown Road, Indianapolis, IN 46254.

Geovani Galvez is an emergency medical technician (EMT) who was seriously injured when he was hit by a car while directing an ambulance out of a parking lot, while on duty with Indianapolis EMS (IEMS). Geovani required blood transfusions and is currently recovering from extensive injuries, including a brain bleed, which will require months of rehabilitation and support.

The American Red Cross is experiencing an emergency blood shortage and is urging donors to roll up a sleeve and give blood to help patients like Geovani receive lifesaving medical care. Since July 1, the Red Cross national blood supply has fallen by more than 25%, and blood donors of all types, especially those with type O blood, are urged to give as soon as possible.

In addition to his work as an EMT, Geovani is a dedicated father and donated bone marrow to one of his children during their cancer treatment. His commitment to healthcare led him to become an EMT trainee with IEMS, and eventually, he became a certified EMT and worked as a full-time provider.  

IEMS is hosting the blood drive in honor of Geovani to highlight the importance of having blood on hand and available to ensure patients can receive blood in a timely manner. Every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood. Our generous volunteer donors help ensure lifesaving blood is available for patients with traumatic injuries and other serious medical needs.

To schedule an appointment, visit RedCrossBlood.org and enter sponsor code: indyems. You can also call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) and download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App.

As a thank-you, those who come give blood, platelets or plasma Aug. 1-31, 2024, will get a $20 Amazon.com Gift Card by email. For details, visit RedCrossBlood.org/Help. 

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 six chapters: Central, 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.