Give Blood During National Donate Life Month

Red Cross Encourages Blood Donations This April to Raise Awareness and Honor Those Who Have Helped Save Countless Lives

[April 08, 2008]  MINIER -- This April is an opportune time to begin the lifesaving tradition of donating blood during National Donate Life Month. In 2003, President Bush proclaimed April as National Donate Life Month in an effort to raise awareness of the critical need for blood, organ, tissue and bone marrow donations. The American Red Cross joins the United States Department of Health and Human Services to celebrate this month by urging healthy, eligible individuals to become regular blood donors.

"One of the easiest ways to participate in National Donate Life Month is to give blood," said Jerod McMorris of the Red Cross Blood Services. "When you give blood, you can help save lives. Your blood donation is critical to patients with serious medical needs."

In the United States alone, someone needs blood about every two seconds. Blood is used in transplants and surgeries and to treat cancer patients, premature babies, burn victims and people with blood disorders.

Upcoming blood donation opportunity

There will be a blood drive at Olympia West Elementary School on April 24 from 2 to 7 p.m. In appreciation for their assistance, each blood donor will receive a gift card for a free farmers burger and steak fries from the Alpine Village Restaurant in Minier. This blood drive is being sponsored by the Olympia West Elementary Student Council.

How to donate blood

Simply call 309-392-2671, ext. 6263, or visit http://givebloodgivelife.org/ to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver's license, or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Donors must be at least 17 years old, or 16 years old with a signed parental or guardian consent form, and must weigh at least 110 pounds.

As Americans become increasingly mobile, you can feel good knowing that by donating blood to the Red Cross you may be helping patients not only in your local community, but also your family and friends across the nation.

The Mid-America Division of the American Red Cross Blood Services supplies blood products to nearly 250 hospitals in 10 states and across the nation. The Red Cross relies on the generosity of more than 370,000 volunteer blood donors, nearly 8,300 blood drive coordinators and more than 2,100 employees to collect the blood that helps save thousands of lives each year. The Mid-America Division is one of nine Red Cross Blood Services Divisions located throughout the United States. Together, these divisions collect more than 40 percent of the nation's blood supply.

You can change a life, starting with your own, by giving blood with the Red Cross. This April, give the gift of life by donating blood in honor of National Donate Life Month, and join a family of blood donors across the nation in a lifesaving cause.

[Text from file received from Minier-Armington Police Department]