The community has a new opportunity to make a difference for patients and their families. The American Red Cross is celebrating the opening its first blood and platelet donation center in Indianapolis on Tuesday, May 5, 2026.

This is the second center that the organization has opened in the Greater Indianapolis Chapter this year. At the new Indianapolis location and the one in Noblesville, donors can now donate platelets, which are primarily given to cancer patients. These tiny cells, which are the clotting portion of blood, have a short shelf life of just five days from the time they are donated.

Every 30 seconds, someone in our country needs platelets. Therefore, there is a constant need for new and current donors to give to keep up with hospital demand for platelets.

Please join us on Tuesday, May 5 for a ribbon-cutting ceremony to commemorate the opening of the donation center.

Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony
WHERE: Indianapolis American Red Cross Blood and Platelet Donation Center
1510 N. Meridian St., Indianapolis
WHEN: Tuesday, May 5 | 9:30 a.m.- 11 a.m.
Remarks will begin promptly at 9:45 a.m.

During Trauma Awareness Month, we would like to highlight how critical blood and platelet donations are to help medical centers respond quickly to emergencies. Volunteer donors are the only source of blood products for those in need. By making an appointment to give blood or platelets, donors can feel good knowing that they may be helping patients not only in their community but also across the nation.

In addition to the Indianapolis Blood and Platelet Donation Center, individuals will also continue to be able to give blood at Red Cross blood drives across Indianapolis and surrounding communities.

Indianapolis American Red Cross Blood and Platelet Donation Center
1510 N. Meridian St.
Indianapolis, Indiana 46202
Hours of Operation
Monday | 7:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Tuesday | 7:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Wednesday | Closed
Thursday | Closed
Friday | 7:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Saturday | Closed
Sunday | 7:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

How to Donate Blood and Platelets

To schedule an appointment, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App.

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, X, and Instagram @indianaredcross. LinkedIn: American Red Cross of Indiana.