VINCENNES, Ind. - The bitterly cold start to the New Year has resulted in a critical shortage of blood donations, and the American Red Cross is urging the public to roll up its sleeves and help out.

With holiday scheduling keeping donors busy during the weeks of Christmas and New Year’s, the Red Cross collected about 27,000 fewer blood and platelet donations than needed.

Vincennes University will help the Red Cross answer the need by hosting a community blood drive on February 5 and 6. This drive will take place at a new location, the Bell Student Recreation Center, at 1600 Short Street.

The drive is open to the public and walk-ins are accepted. Appointments can be scheduled in advance by calling 800-RedCross (800-733-2767) or visiting redcrossblood.org and entering the code: VU Blood.

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LINK to VU Online Newsroom, click HERE

VICKIE PUFFER, Communications Coordinator & Online Newsroom Manager
   812-888-4162 office, 812-887-4635 cell, VUNews@vinu.edu, vpuffer@vinu.edu
MARCIA MARTINEZ, University Life Reporter & Sports Information Director
   812-888-4164 office, 314-599-1519 cell, VUNews@vinu.edu, mmartinez@vinu.edu
VINCENNES UNIVERSITY, Department of University Relations, www.vinu.edu/news/newsroom