The American Red Cross and the Indiana Wing Civil Air Patrol (CAP) are teaming up for the Operation Pulse Lift Blood Drive to help keep the blood supply strong this summer. Donors of all blood types are encouraged to make an appointment to give blood on Thursday, May 28 from 1 to 6 p.m. at the Frank and Edward Skwiat American Legion Post 451 in Michigan City.

To make an appointment, please call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit RedCrossBlood.org and use sponsor code CAPMichiganCity. Those who come to give May 18-31, 2026, will receive an oversized Red Cross beach towel, while supplies last. 

Operation Pulse Lift began in 2017 to help ensure a strong blood supply, and since then, the program has collected more than 88,000 units of lifesaving blood nationally. This blood drive will be the first Operation Pulse Lift Blood Drive in Northwest Indiana.  

This time of year, busy summer schedules and vacations could cause a drop in donation appointments. By donating blood or platelets this month, donors have the chance to return to give over the summer, which is a critical time to keep blood products on hospital shelves. Whole blood donors can give every 56 days, up to six times a year.

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.

Blood and platelet donors can save time at their next donation by using RapidPass® to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, before arriving at the blood drive. To get started, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Blood Donor App.

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.