Don't Take a Vacation From Blood Donation This Summer

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News Release: July 6, 2004
Contact: Janice Osborne, Director-Communications and Marketing (610) 865-4400, ext. 262

Sunscreen? Check. Travel maps and itinerary? Got ’em. Did you stop the newspaper and mail? Yup. Sounds like you’re set for the perfect family vacation. But, not so fast. The American Red Cross wants you to leave something behind before you go: a unit of blood.

“In the time it takes to pack your car for vacation, you can donate one pint of blood that can help save the lives of several people,” Carl Kist, branch manager for the Carbon office of the American Red Cross of the Greater Lehigh Valley, said. “Every three seconds someone needs blood. At the Red Cross, we want to ensure there is a safe, adequate supply for everyone, at any time.”

To that end, the Red Cross will hold a blood drive on Monday, July 19, from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Jim Thorpe Memorial Hall, East 10th Street in Jim Thorpe. Every donor will receive a free T-shirt and be eligible for various door prizes.

Anyone who is at least 17 years old, who weighs at least 105 pounds, and is in good health may give blood. For more information, contact the Carbon County office of the American Red Cross of the Greater Lehigh Valley at (610) 377-2100 or call 1-800-GIVE LIFE.