Blood drives set April 10 and 11

The official World Health Day 2008 celebration takes place on Monday, April 7, but individuals can help make the world a healthier place all month long by donating blood.

This year's World Health Day theme is "protecting health from climate change." Extreme weather-related disasters are just one concern related to climate change.

Between 1999 and 2003, there were 12 deaths caused by tornados in Indiana and Ohio combined. Not only does the American Red Cross supply blood to these two states, but they are the only blood collection organization that also provides disaster preparedness training and disaster relief in the wake of weather-related disasters.

Donated blood is needed daily to treat trauma victims, cancer patients and organ transplant recipients. Each donation has the potential to save up to three lives.

All in the community are invited to celebrate World Health Day 2008 by giving blood at one of the following blood drives:

* Thursday, April 10 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at DePauw University in the UB Ballroom located at 313 S. Locust St. in Greencastle. All presenting donors at this blood drive will have the opportunity to enter a drawing for a $200 shopping spree or one of two $50 shopping sprees. Please go www.givelife.org and enter sponsor code "depauw" to schedule your blood donation appointment.

* Friday, April 11, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at DePauw University in the UB Ballroom located at 313 S. Locust St. in Greencastle. All presenting donors at this blood drive will have the opportunity to enter a drawing for a $200 shopping spree or one of two $50 shopping sprees. Please go www.givelife.org and enter sponsor code "depauw" to schedule your blood donation appointment.