The American Red Cross has announced a $375,000 gift from Steel Dynamics, Inc., funding a state-of-the-art bloodmobile to serve Northeast Indiana.
A ribbon-cutting celebration was held on June 25 from 8:30-10:30 a.m., at the Steel Dynamics Corporate Headquarters in Fort Wayne.
“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’ mission to provide blood to millions of individuals both in Fort Wayne and around the country.
“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, 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, this 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. 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 needs an average of 450 blood donations each day to support patients at 80 hospitals in Indiana. Those interested in giving blood are encouraged to find a donation opportunity through the Red Cross at RedCrossBlood.org or 1-800-RED CROSS.
