How one community is stepping up to fill a critical need

According to Versiti Blood Center of Indiana, over 4,000 blood drives have been canceled due to school and business closures resulting in the loss of over 130,000 potential blood donations. With help from the Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church (IHM) and Crossroads AME Church (Crossroads), the Meridian-Kessler Neighborhood Association (MKNA) has coordinated two community blood drives to help increase the supply of blood as the stay-at-home order expires and the need for blood increases.

"As people get back out into the world, elective surgeries, accidents, and the like are only going to increase thus increasing the need for blood of all types," said MKNA executive director Chelsea Marburger. " These two drives could really help increase the supply needed to save lives in our local hospitals."

According to Versiti's website "There is no substitute for the lifesaving gift of blood. It is precious. It is perishable. And the need for it is vital. Together with you, we make our communities stronger," and MKNA, IHM, and Crossroads are hoping to fill the combined 135 appointments at their two upcoming blood drives:

Date: Thursday, May 21, 2020
Time: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Location: Crossroads AME Church
4602 N. College Avenue
Schedule Appointment Here

Date: Thursday, May 2, 2020
Time: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Location: IHM Catholic Church
317 E. 57th Street
Schedule Appointment Here

"We understand that many citizens may be nervous to come out and donate and rightfully so," said Marburger. "For that reason, we ask that everyone schedule their appointment in advance, wear a mask, and stay home if they are experiencing any type of symptoms. Versiti is taking extreme precautions to keep everyone safe."

To learn more about the two drives, the precautions Versiti Blood Center of Indiana is taking, and to schedule an appointment to give blood, visit MKNA's website here.

The Meridian-Kessler Neighborhood Association is 501(c)3 nonprofit organization founded to maintain and improve the quality of life for MK residents, businesses, and community institutions through advocacy and thoughtful programming.