Many New Year’s resolutions focus on breaking bad habits. Why not take up a positive habit instead?

By resolving to donate blood or platelets in the coming year, you can help save the lives of the one out of 10 hospital patients who need blood for emergency or ongoing medical care. What’s more, your frequent donations through the American Red Cross can help keep the nation’s blood supply strong and ensure that blood is available anywhere and anytime it’s needed.

“A resolution to donate blood in the New Year works on so many levels,” said Kathy Smith, Collections Director for the Western Lake Erie Region of the American Red Cross. “Your donation can make a difference to hospital patients, their family and friends and the larger community. Your act of giving, too, can make you feel good about helping to save the day.”

When you donate through the Red Cross, you’ll join about 4 million blood donors nationwide in a lifesaving cause. Blood is used for the treatment of cancer patients, people with blood disorders, premature infants, transplant recipients, trauma victims and more. And while most of us will probably know someone in our lifetime who needs blood, just 38 percent of people are eligible to give.

“Blood donors help provide the gift of life for patients with serious medical needs,” Smith said. “When you come to give blood, you’re performing a vital community service that only someone like you can do.”

To schedule an appointment to donate, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org for more information. Donors should bring their Red Cross blood donor cards or other form of valid ID when they come to donate.

Local physician/author to speak
Perrysburg native and Medical College of Ohio  graduate, William E. Hablitzel, M.D., will return home in January to introduce his new book, “It Was Only a Moment Ago.”

January also sees the Dutch translation of his first book, “Dying Was the Best Thing That Ever Happened to Me,” a message nurtured in northwestern Ohio is spreading around the world.

An internist and medical educator in southern Ohio for more than two decades, Dr. Hablitzel started his career as one of Perrysburg’s first firefighter-paramedics. As an associate professor of clinical medicine at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, he has been recognized for excellence in teaching. His work in rural health care was honored by resolutions passed by the Ohio State Senate and the Ohio House of Representatives.

He will discuss “It Was Only a Moment Ago” and his message of healing at the Way Public Library in Perrysburg Jan. 16 at 2 p.m. A book signing will follow his talk.

Eating disorder support
“Recovery Within: An Eating Disorder Support Group” will meet Jan. 12 and 26 from 7 to 8 p.m. in the board room of Memorial Hospital in Fremont.

Individuals who are suffering or are in recovery from an eating disorder are invited to attend the bi-weekly support group, which is conducted in a comforting, confidential environment.

For more information, e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Relay for Life open house
Come learn more about the Relay for Life of Ottawa County at an open house Jan. 15 from 1 to 3 p.m. in the meeting room at Genoa Library, 602 West St., Genoa.

Relay organizers are looking for teams and/or participants from all communities within the county, in the hopes of making the 2011 event the most successful to date. This year’s Relay will be held June 3 and 4 at Oak Harbor High School.

The open house, hosted by “Tiki Warriors” team captains Tami Coppes and Kim Coppes, will include information about participation and refreshments.

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