For a few years, New Hope hosted some random blood drives.  In the spring of 2016, while in the middle of a teaching series about the power of blood (particularly the blood that Jesus shed for us), we were inspired to make a greater impact in our region by something as simple as donating blood... A LOT of it!  After another year of figuring out the logistics, New Hope became a regular 56-day drive site, collecting 4-5 times the amount of blood at each drive than what is 'typical' for a rural setting like Loudonville, Ohio.

Every other month, we have approximately 90 people sign up to donate with a goal of collecting 75 pints.  With all the deferrals that are so common and those who don't show up to fulfill their obligation, we usually barely make our goal.  If we could get about 25 more people to become regular donors, we could not only make hitting our goal easy to accomplish, but we could even push that goal closer to 100, saving even more lives!  Will you become part of this mission with us?

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Donated blood only lasts for 42 days.  It cannot be 'put on a shelf' so to speak and stored up for whenever needed.  This means that blood is in constant demand, and it's not just for trauma victims.  There are many people who have health conditions that require regular blood transfusions in order to survive.  If you had a loved one who needed blood to live, you would most definitely put yourself through any uncomfortable situation necessary in order to save them.  What makes other people any less important?  Can you put yourself through a few minutes of discomfort every 56 days so that other people can get the blood they need to survive?  Please consider signing up for the next drive.  The dates are listed below, as well as a link to the sign up sheet through the Red Cross.