DeKalb County Industry Donates Bloodmobile

Article by KPC Media | KPC News | June 25, 2019

FORT WAYNE — The American Red Cross announced it has received a $375,000 gift from Steel Dynamics Inc., funding a state-of-the-art bloodmobile to serve northeast Indiana.

“We are incredibly grateful to Steel Dynamics for their gift, which is actually a gift of life for so many people,” said Chad Priest, CEO for the Indiana Region of the American Red Cross. “Now, blood donors will have access to a modern bloodmobile, making the process easier and more comfortable than ever. On behalf of those donors, and the countless patients they will help, we express our deepest thanks to Steel Dynamics.”

The inspiration for Steel Dynamics’ support of the bloodmobile is the American Red Cross’ lifesaving mission to provide blood to millions of individuals both in Fort Wayne and around the country, the organization said.

“We are honored and privileged to have the opportunity to support the American Red Cross through our charitable foundation and our own team’s volunteerism,” said Mark Millett of Auburn, Steel Dynamics’ co-founder and chief executive officer. “We hold the American Red Cross and its thousands of volunteers in the highest regard, as they spread their critical mission across the world.”

The new bloodmobile will feature improved climate control and advanced technology to enhance the blood donor experience. With greater fuel efficiency and lower maintenance costs, the vehicle will increase the number of possible mobile blood drives across the region.

Over the course of its expected 10-year lifespan, the bloodmobile will collect approximately 30,000 units of blood, helping thousands of patients, Red Cross said. The cost of the bloodmobile is fully funded by the gift from the Steel Dynamics Foundation.

The Red Cross supplies more than 40 percent of the nation’s blood, and it needs an average of 450 blood donations each day to support patients at 80 hospitals in Indiana. People interested in giving blood are encouraged to find a donation opportunity online at RedCrossBlood.org or by calling (800) RED CROSS.

Article source: https://www.kpcnews.com/butlerbulletin/article_9b96a11a-f08f-551d-a804-48d9e6d38862.html