Every two seconds someone in our country needs blood. This constant need can only be met through the generosity of volunteer donors. In only about an hour, you can help save lives and feel instant gratification.

Roll up a sleeve to give lifesaving blood
 Tuesday, June 23 | 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Gary/Chicago International Airport
6001 Airport Rd., Gary, IN 46406

To Schedule an appointment, please visit redcrossblood.org and enter sponsor code: GCIA. You can also call 1-800-RED CROSS or use the Red Cross Blood Donor App.

Donors of all blood types are essential in keeping the blood supply strong enough to withstand summer challenges, when we tend to see a decrease in blood donations as people get busy with travel and other seasonal activities.

As a thank you, those who come to give June 1-28, 2026, will receive a $15 e-gift card to a merchant of choice, plus be automatically entered to win one of two $7,500 gift cards. See RedCrossBlood.org/June for details.

Before Your Blood Donation

• Rest and relax. Get a good night’s sleep.
• Hydrate and eat a healthy meal. Drink plenty of fluids (an extra four 8- ounce glasses of fluids is recommended) and eat nutritious foods, rich in iron and vitamin C, such as red meat, fish, poultry, beans, spinach, iron-fortified cereals or raisins.
• Your whole blood donation appointment will take about one hour.
• Be sure to wear a short-sleeved shirt or a top with sleeves that can be rolled up easily.
• On the day of the donation, speed up the process by completing a RapidPass online health history questionnaire on our website or in the Blood Donor app.
• Don’t forget your ID, such as a valid driver’s license, birth certificate or social security card.

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 five 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. LinkedIn: American Red Cross of Indiana.