Collecting and Distributing Blood: The Heart of What the Red Cross Does

Collecting and Distributing Blood:
The Heart of What the Red Cross Does
- With Your Help

News Release: April 11, 2006
Contact: Molly Dalton, Communications Manager American Red Cross Blood Services Northeastern Pennsylvania region, 1-800-432-8045, ext. 2407

Started as a war relief effort to provide life-saving blood for soldiers during World War II, Red Cross Blood Services has grown to become an industry leader - collecting and distributing half the nation's blood supply.

All the technology and science, however, is only made possible by one simple selfless act: An average person takes time out of his or her busy schedule to give a piece of themselves so that someone they will never know has a chance to live. This incredible act of kindness, that allows a stranger to celebrate another birthday, give birth to a child, or share another holiday dinner with family and friends, is at the heart of what Red Cross does.

Help us help others. Donate blood this month on one of these two days:

Wednesday, April 19, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., at Blue Mountain Health System, Sixth and Iron streets, Lehighton; and
Thursday, April 20, from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m., at Jim Thorpe Memorial Hall, 10th Street, Jim Thorpe.

Anyone who is at least 17 years old, who weighs at least 110 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.

The American Red Cross of the Greater Lehigh Valley serves more than 660,000 residents of Carbon, Lehigh and Northampton counties. Last year the Red Cross provided health and safety education training; Lifeline, a personal response service for seniors; and emergency relief to more than 20,000 Greater Lehigh Valley residents. For more information about the American Red Cross of the Greater Lehigh Valley or volunteer opportunities, call (610) 865-4400 or visit www.redcrosslv.org.