Bomke, Brauer recognize contributions of blood donors         

[FEB. 4, 2006]  SPRINGFIELD -- State Sen. Larry Bomke, R-Springfield, and state Rep. Rich Brauer, R-Springfield, recently joined the Illinois Coalition of Community Blood Centers to recognize the lifesaving contributions of blood donors and emphasize the need for blood donations.

"Every two seconds, someone in this country needs blood, but only 5 percent of the American population donates blood each year," said Bomke. "A single blood donation can save the lives of up to three people and often means the difference between life and death."

There have been resolutions introduced in both the Illinois House and Senate that declare January to be Blood Donor Month in Illinois and urge the public to become frequent blood donors.

Brauer said that the Central Illinois Community Blood Center recently launched "Roll Up Your Sleeves for Life," a six-month promotion in which state employees were encouraged to donate blood. Twenty-eight blood drives were conducted at various state agencies, and over 1,000 citizens donated blood.

"The Central Illinois Community Blood Center is the sole provider of blood for state employees living in and around the Springfield area," Brauer said. "Since the state of Illinois is second-largest employer in Springfield, the blood center relies heavily on blood donated from state workers to maintain a viable blood supply. We salute the state employees who, through their generosity, made the 'Roll Up Your Sleeves for Life' promotion a success."

"I thank the Central Illinois Community Blood Center, which has been working so diligently to increase awareness of the need for blood donations, and I commend the Illinois citizens who regularly donate blood," said Bomke. "There are millions of people all over the world who are still alive because someone generously donated blood. I want to encourage all eligible citizens to give blood and help save a life."

[News release from Illinois Senate Republicans]