Motorcyclists from across Northern Indiana will come together to help save lives through blood donation at three special events this year. The first 2014 Ride for the Red Blood Drive is scheduled for Saturday, May 24, at Lucky Harley-Davidson in Fort Wayne.

Two additional blood drives are planned for later this summer: June 29 at Summit City Chevrolet with the Blue Knights in Fort Wayne and Aug. 2 at Brant’s Harley-Davidson in Wabash.

The May 24 Ride for the Red Blood Drive will honor fallen riders and help raise awareness of safety for all on the roads as well as the constant need for blood. All presenting blood donors will receive a commemorative Red Cross T-shirt to honor fallen riders as well as a special patriotic lapel pin. Donors are encouraged to schedule an appointment by calling 1-800-RED CROSS or going to redcrossblood.org.

The event, hosted by Lucky Harley-Davidson, will also feature live music, food and riders return from Auburn as part of the Victory Ride II. For more information on the Victory Ride II, contact Lucky Harley-Davidson at 260-489-2464.

Strong donor turnout in April and May can give the Red Cross good momentum into summer. And with only 8% of eligible individuals donating blood each year, there’s great potential for solid collections during spring. Approximately 38% of the U.S. population is eligible to donate blood. But only 8% of those eligible – or 3% of the general population – donates blood each year.

Every day, patients across the U.S. need an average of 44,000 units of red blood cells. That’s about 16-million donations transfused to 5 million patients each year.

How to donate blood
Call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org 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 (16 with parental consent in some states), 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.