Dubois County Health Department Hosts Red Cross Blood Drive in April

The Dubois County Health Department is partnering with the American Red Cross of Indiana to host a community blood drive on Wednesday, April 8, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. ET at 1187 S. St. Charles Street in Jasper. The event will be held inside the building's Education Room, and a single donation could make a measurable difference: each pint of blood collected can help save up to three lives.

The Red Cross brings more than 135 years of humanitarian experience to drives like this one, including over 75 years specifically dedicated to supplying blood to patients in need. That history underpins a straightforward reality the health department emphasized in announcing the event: the need for blood donations is constant.

Appointments are recommended to reduce wait times. To schedule, visit redcrossblood.org and search by ZIP code or enter the sponsor code DCHD to locate the Dubois County Health Department drive. Donors can also call the Red Cross directly at 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or reach the health department at 812-481-7050. Walk-ins will be accepted as availability allows. Questions can be directed to Mary Peters at mrpeters@duboiscountyin.org.

Donors should bring a photo ID and are encouraged to hydrate and eat a healthy meal before arriving.

The health department also announced a separate event later in the month: the Indiana University Health Mobile Lung Screening Unit will be on-site on Thursday, April 23, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. ET. The unit offers low-dose CT scans to screen for lung cancer at its earliest, most treatable stages. Eligibility applies to current smokers or those who have quit within the last 15 years and are between the ages of 50 and 77. The scan requires no needles, no special diet, and no change of clothes. Lung screenings are typically covered by insurance, including Medicare and Medicaid, for those who qualify; financial assistance may be available for uninsured individuals. Appointments are required and can be scheduled by calling 317-962-5864.