Upcoming Events

One of the favorite annual Christmas traditions is viewing the movie "The Polar Express" at The Depot Railroad Museum. The movie will be presented at The Depot, located at 206 S. College Ave, Salem, on Friday, Dec. 13.

Doors will open at 6 p.m., and the film will start at 7 p.m. There will be popcorn, sweet treats, Christmas activities, and more for everyone to enjoy before the film starts. Everyone attending is urged to wear their favorite Christmas pajamas!

Admission is FREE although donations are greatly appreciated!

For further information or answers to any questions, please contact Kaylee Seabold at (812) 883-6495.

Saturday, Dec. 21
Washington County Family YMCA
1709 N. Shelby St.
Salem,
9 a.m.—2 p.m.

Every two seconds someone in the U.S. needs blood. It is essential for surgeries, cancer treatment, chronic illnesses, and traumatic injuries. Whether a patient receives whole blood, red cells, platelets or plasma, this lifesaving care starts with one person making a generous donation.

Blood Supply Statistics


The Red Cross provides about 40% of our nation’s blood and blood components, all from generous volunteer donors. But supply can’t always meet demand because only about 3% of age-eligible people donate blood yearly. Each new donor helps us meet patient needs.

•    Each year, an estimated 6.8 million people in the U.S. donate blood.
    

•    13.6 million units of whole blood and red blood cells are collected in the U.S. in a year.
    

•    About 45% of people in the U.S. have Group O (positive or negative) blood; the proportion is higher among Hispanics (57%) and African Americans (51%).
    

•    Type O negative red cells can be given to patients of all blood types. Because only 7% of people in the U.S. are type O negative, it’s always in great demand and often in short supply.
    

•    Type AB plasma can be transfused to patients of all blood types. Since only 4% of people in the U.S. have type AB blood, this plasma is usually in short supply.
    

•    Red blood cells must be used within 42 days (or less).
    

•    Platelets must be used within just 5 days.
    


Facts About Blood Needs
    

•    Every 2 seconds someone in the U.S. needs blood and or platelets.
    

•    Approximately 29,000 units of red blood cells are needed every day in the U. S.
    

•    Nearly 5,000 units of platelets and 6.500 units of plasma are needed daily in the U.S.
    

•    Nearly 16 million blood components are transfused each year in the U.S.
    

•    Sickle cell disease affects 90,000 to 100,000 people in the U.S. About 1,000 babies are born with the disease each year. Sickle cell patients can require blood transfusions throughout their lives.
    

•    The average red blood cell transfusion is approximately 3 units.
    

•    A single car accident victim can require as many as 100 units of blood.
    

•    Blood and platelets cannot be manufactured; they can only come from volunteer donors.
    

•    The blood type most often requested by hospitals is type O.
    

•    One donation can help save more than one life.
    

•    According to the American Cancer Society, more than 1.9 million people are expected to be diagnosed with cancer in 2023. Many of them will need blood, sometimes daily, during their chemotherapy treatment.

Beef and dairy cattle producers are invited to attend Purdue Extension’s Calving Academy. This hands-on event will cover topics including cow restraint, calf manipulation, and triaging the neonatal calf. Dr. Bethany Funnell (DVM, DACT), clinical associate professor of bovine theriogenology at the Purdue College of Veterinary Medicine is the program instructor. Cost to attend is $50 per person. Attendance with a set of OB chains and handles is $200. Attendance with a stainless-steel bucket, cup and beta dine scrub is $150.

There are four locations to participate in a Calving Academy.

The closest location to Washington County is:
Saturday, December 21, 2024 at the Feldun Purdue Ag. Center (1117 State Road 458, Bedford, IN 47421) from 1:00-4:00 pm.

Other locations include:

Saturday, December 14, 2024 at the Don Strauss Animal Center at Huntingburg University in Huntington, IN from 1:00-4:00 pm.

Saturday, January 4, 2025 at the Decatur County Extension Office (545 S. County Road 200 W., Greensburg, IN 47240) from 1:00-4:00 pm.

Saturday, January 11, 2025 at the Purina Pavilion in Creighton Hall at Purdue University (270 S. Russell St., West Lafayette, IN 47907) from 1:00-4:00 pm.

Registration is required before Thursday, December 5, 2024 via https://web.cvent.com/event/cb611d3b-9f26-4ab1-8641-861acf9df1aa/summary.

For more information contact Nick Minton at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 765-494-8179.