Healthy individuals are needed every day to maintain an adequate blood supply for patients in need. The community is invited to help save lives by donating blood on Tuesday, June 3, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Three Rivers Ambulance Authority office located at 525 Hayden Street, Fort Wayne, Indiana 46802.

The American Red Cross provides about 40 percent of the nation’s blood supply, and EMS professionals know firsthand the importance of blood donations. The Red Cross is proud to supply blood to Three Rivers Ambulance Authority for its newly implemented program to safely store blood on a portion of its mobile units. Every second counts during emergency situations, and this program helps ensure blood products are available to trauma patients in pre-hospital settings.

“We are proud to be able to partner with the Red Cross to provide this lifesaving care of pre-hospital blood administration to our community and surrounding areas. We strive to be good stewards of this resource and part of that goal is to help replenish its availability,” said TRAA Clinical Supervisor Bryan Heckman.

Three Rivers Ambulance Authority Blood Drive

Tuesday, June 3

11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

525 Hayden Street

Fort Wayne, IN 46802

Make an appointment at RedCrossBlood.org and use sponsor code “TRAA.” You can also call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or download the Red Cross Blood Donor App to schedule an appointment.

Those who come to give June 1-30, 2025, will receive a $15 Amazon.com Gift Card by email. All who come to give June 1-30, 2025, will automatically be entered for a chance to win one of two $7,000 gift cards. Terms apply. Learn more at RedCrossBlood.org/June.

Donors who come to give blood will also receive a TRAA t-shirt, while supplies last.

Donating blood is an easy way to help others and only takes about an hour. Once a donor has made the commitment to give blood, it is important to take a few simple steps to prepare and help ensure a good donation experience. Donors should get a good night’s sleep, drink an extra 16 ounces of water, eat iron-rich foods to maintain a healthy iron level and consume a low-fat meal before donating.

How to donate blood  

Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enable the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device to make an appointment or for more information. 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.