Community News Archives for 2021-12

Red Cross: Donate blood (or platelets) now to help patients avoid delays in care

As holiday celebrations continue, concern is rising for the nation’s blood supply, which has now dipped to concerninglevels and could force hospitals to hold off on essential blood and platelet transfusions for patients.

 

Historically low blood supply levels not seen in more than a decade persist for the American Red Cross, which supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood.The ongoing decline comes at a time of year when donations typically fall. Holiday get-togethers, school breaks and winter weather often lead to lower donor turnout, potentially further compounding the situation.

 

Potential donors are urged to schedule an appointment now by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

 

If there is not an immediate opportunity available to donate, donors are asked to make an appointment in the days and weeks ahead to ensure the Red Cross can replenish and then maintain a sufficient blood supply.

 

In thanks,all who come to give through Jan. 2 will receive an exclusive Red Cross long-sleeved T-shirt, while supplies last.

 

Those who come to give blood, platelets or plasma in January will automatically be entered for a chance to win a getaway to Super Bowl LVI in Los Angeles. As an extra thank-you from the Red Cross, those who come to donate in January will also be automatically entered to win a home theater package and a $500 e-gift card. Terms apply; visit RedCrossBlood.org/SuperBowl for more information.

 

Blood drive safety 

Each Red Cross blood drive and donation center follows the highest standards of safety and infection control, and?additional precautions?– including face masks for donors and staff, regardless of vaccination status – have been implemented to help protect the health of all those in attendance. Donors are?asked to schedule an appointment prior to arriving at the drive. 

 

Save time during donation

Donors can also save up to 15 minutes at the blood drive by completing a RapidPass®. With RapidPass®, donors complete the pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of donation, from a mobile device or computer. To complete a RapidPass®, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Red Cross Blood Donor App.  

 

To donate blood, individuals need to bring a blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification that are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also must meet certain height and weight requirements.

 

Health insights for donors 

At a time when health information has never been more important, the Red Cross is screening all blood, platelet and plasma donations from self-identified African American donors for the sickle cell trait. This additional screening will provide Black donors with an additional health insight and help the Red Cross identify compatible blood types more quickly to help patients with sickle cell disease who require trait-negative blood. Blood transfusion is an essential treatment for those with sickle cell disease, and blood donations from individuals of the same race, ethnicity and blood type have a unique ability to help patients fighting sickle cell disease.    

 

Donors can expect to receive sickle cell trait screening results, if applicable, within one to two weeks through the Red Cross Blood Donor App and the online donor portal at RedCrossBlood.org.  

Street Department crack sealing N. Michigan Rd Wednesday

The Shelbyville Street Department will be crack sealing N. Michigan Rd between N. Riley Hwy and Walser Road.

 

Lane restrictions will be in place this Wednesday, December 22 from 7:3 0am to 3:30 pm, weather permitting.

Sailor wishes family in New Palestine a happy holiday

Sailors help maintain America’s advantage at sea. This means they do not always get to celebrate holidays with their loved ones. A New Palestine, Indiana, native serving in the United States Navy will celebrate the holidays with his fellow shipmates in Manama, Bahrain, serving with Public Works Department (PWD) Bahrain, Naval Facilities Engineering Command Europe Africa Central (NAVFAC EURAFCENT).

 

"The guys I work with in the NAVFAC PWD transportation shop have become like family to me," said Constructionman Apprentice Thomas Henry. "Those of us who weren't able to make it home this time will be here spending the holidays together." 

 

"The holidays have a special place in my heart but family means more," added Henry. "When my brothers and I were young, we would snoop around and try to find out what gifts were ours for Christmas. We were so good they didn't notice that we did this every year. We finally got caught and my parents were not thrilled. They don't know about all the other times so, sorry mom and dad."

 

Henry wants family back home to know they are missed this holiday season.

 

"I just want to say that I love and miss you guys a ton," said Henry. "I am sorry I won't be able to make it home for the holidays this year. I hope to see you guys soon and Happy Holidays. I hope all is well and everyone is healthy. I love you all, see you soon."

 

As a member of the U.S. Navy, Henry, as well as other sailors, know they are a part of a tradition providing unforgettable experiences through leadership development, world affairs and humanitarian assistance.

 

"Serving in the Navy as a Seabee amazing," said Henry. "It's opened a variety of opportunities for me from a professional perspective, such as operating heavy equipment including, but not limited to, tractor trailers, dozers, graders, scrapers and MTVR's. It has given me the opportunity to grow both personally and professionally and  it's molding me into a leader amongst my peers. I am very proud to have the privilege to wear this uniform. I hope everyone back home is proud of me, as though I am proud to serve my country continuously fighting for my families freedom."

 

"Appreciate this time with your friends and family," added Henry. "You never know what will happen. Just remember that anything is possible when you have the right people on your side."

Rep. Eberhart invites constituents to complete 2022 issue survey

 State Rep. Sean Eberhart (R-Shelbyville) invites constituents to complete the 2022 issue survey to provide feedback ahead of the legislative session starting Jan. 4.

 

Constituents in House District 57, which includes Shelby County and portions of Bartholomew and Hancock counties, will receive mailed postcards on how to complete the survey. To get started today, constituents can visit in.gov/h57 and then click on the red button labeled "Take My Survey."

"Input from our community is valuable, and I always appreciate hearing from those I represent," Eberhart said. "Completing this survey is an easy way for us to stay connected, and I hope everyone can take some time and fill it out."


To complete the survey, constituents must be a resident of House District 57 and submit it by the Dec. 31 deadline. The survey questions are intended to reflect issues that may come before the Legislature and should not be interpreted as a reflection of their legislator's views.

Constituents can determine and confirm who their state representative is online by visiting the Indiana General Assembly's website at iga.in.gov, clicking on the "Find Your Legislator" tab and entering their home address.

 

Eberhart said members of the public can participate in the legislative process by completing the survey, testifying in committee and staying connected. Constituents can visit iga.in.gov to watch livestreams of session and committee meetings, view archived meetings, and access meeting calendars and meeting agendas. Hoosiers can also sign up to receive regular email news updates from Eberhart by visiting in.gov/h57 and entering their email address.

 

For help completing the survey, constituents can contact Eberhart at h57@iga.in.gov or by calling 1-800-382-9841.

 

The 2022 legislative session begins in January and must conclude by mid-March.

 

Pole replacement to close Shelbyville's West Jackson Street on Wednesday

A Shelbyville street closure will begin Wednesday, December 8 at 8:00 am.

 

Duke Energy will close W. Jackson St at the S. Harrison Street intersection for a pole replacement. The closure will be for the duration of the day Wednesday, possibly part of the day Thursday, if the job is not complete. 

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