The American Red Cross Blood Services, Indiana- Ohio Region, hosted its annual meeting and recognition luncheon Oct. 2 in Winona Lake. Several awards were given, including the Outstanding Blood Donor Award.

The award is given to an individual from each county, served by the Indiana-Ohio Region, who has the highest donation frequency in that year. The 2009 Outstanding Blood Donor Award winner from Carroll County is Thomas Harrell.

Harrell has donated 177 units in his lifetime and six times in the past year. Since each unit of blood may be used to help more than one patient, Harrell’s donations may have touched more than 531 lives.

Individuals who are least 17 years of age, weigh a minimum of 110 pounds and are in good general health may be eligible to donate blood. All donors need to present positive identification. In Indiana, teens may give blood at 16 years of age with written, parental consent.

For information or to schedule a blood donation call (800) 448-3543 or go to IndianaOhioRedCross.org.