Join the Race to Save Lives. Give Blood!
Everyone can feel like a winner when they donate blood.
Most races crown just one winner, one person who beats out a crowded field.
In the race to save lives, however, many people can be singled out for their role in a winning outcome: Emergency responders, doctors, nurses, blood donors.
Without a steady influx of blood donors throughout the year, cancer patients, accident victims, premature babies, sickle cell patients and many others may not have a fighting chance.
That’s why American Red Cross Blood Services, Greater Alleghenies Region, urges area residents to Join the Race to Save Lives by donating blood up to three times during this six-month campaign.
“Every two seconds, someone in this country needs a blood transfusion,” stated Jim Starr, CEO, Greater Alleghenies Region, American Red Cross Blood Services. “And doctors and surgeons are in a race against time to save some patients – such those who’ve suffered a traumatic injury, an aneurysm or severe gastrointestinal bleeding. It’s too late to recruit blood donors when the need arises.”
Starr stated that up to 60% of the population can donate blood, but only 5% do each year. “Many individuals taking medication for chronic conditions may continue to donate blood. Those with specific eligibility questions should call 1 (800) 542-5663 and ask to speak to someone in Nursing Collections.
“Donation appointments may be scheduled at many Red Cross blood drives,” he added. “To schedule your blood donation appointment where available, or to find a blood drive near you, visit www.redcrosslife.org or call 1-800-GIVE LIFE (1-800-448-3543).”
To donate blood, individuals:
• Must be at least 17 years old (in Maryland and Pennsylvania, 16-year-olds may donate with parental consent)
• Weigh at least 110 pounds
• Be in generally good health
The Greater Alleghenies Region directly serves hospitals, patients and donors in a 100-county area in Kentucky, Maryland, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia, with more than five-dozen blood products and related services, and also supports blood needs experienced by patients elsewhere in hospitals served through Red Cross Blood Services.
Collect the remaining donor recognition items!
In the 100-county blood region’s Join the Race to Save Lives campaign, everyone can feel like a winner.
From May 1 through October 31, 2007, when individuals come to donate blood, they will take home a donor recognition gift with a racing theme.
- During July and August, presenting donors will receive a red cooler with shoulder strap, while supplies last, plus will be automatically entered in a drawing for a gas grill. The winner of the gas grill will be announced September 5, 2007.
-- When individuals come to donate blood during September and October, they will take home a long-sleeved t-shirt, while supplies last.
In addition, all presenting donors throughout the campaign will be automatically entered into a raffle to win two tickets to the 2008 Daytona 500, including hotel and airfare. The winner will be announced November 5, 2007.
Plus, donors who donate 3 times
during the entire campaign (May - Oct.) will be entered into
a raffle for a $500 American Express Gift Card!
>(Double Red Cell donors will be entered after 2 donations due
to time period between donations.)
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Current Blood Inventory Information
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Current Blood Inventory Information
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