Red Cross Asks People to Donate Blood

Blood availability is a must. For example, last year more than 32,000 patients were treated at 26 trauma centers in Pennsylvania. One-third of our population is on blood thinners, posing a unique situation for trauma surgeons, neurosurgeons, and orthopedic surgeons. These patients rely on blood products to reverse the effects of blood thinners to allow lifesaving surgery to be done. In addition, when the blood supply is real low, Red Cross officials are forced to use medical approval to release blood on a case-by-case basis.

"The lives of men, women and children can be at stake," said Molly Dalton, communications manager for American Red Cross, Northeastern Pennsylvania Blood Services Region. "We are urging everyone to make an appointment to give blood, and to keep that appointment. Don't leave it up to someone else."

Following is the schedule for Carbon County Red Cross blood drives for June:

Wednesday, June 13, from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m., at the Lehighton Recreation Center, 243 S. Eighth Street, Lehighton;

Thursday, June 21, from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m., at Jim Thorpe Memorial Hall, West 10th Street, Jim Thorpe; and

Monday, June 25, from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Palmerton Boro Hall, 455 Delaware Avenue, Palmerton.

Anyone who is at least 17 years old, who weighs at least 110 pounds, and is healthy may give blood or platelets.

Can't make the scheduled blood collection dates in your area? Not a problem. Call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE (1-800-448-3543) to schedule a donation appointment at your convenience. Also, collection sites and dates for June-September Carbon County are available online at www.redcrosslv.org.

"Giving blood means helping to save lives, and that is its own reward," added Dalton. "But as a special thank you, all donors in the Northeastern Pennsylvania Region who participate in a Red Cross blood drive will be eligible for some great incentives through our public awareness campaign, Consider Yourself Asked™."

Here is what you could win:

• $50 gas card. Sixteen winners to be selected by weekly random drawings May 28-Sept. 10.
• Apple iPod. Three winners to be selected by random drawings in May, June and July.
• Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees Tickets. Win a pair of free tickets to a home game with special VIP treatment. Total of 13 winners will be selected by a random drawing.
• Everyone who participates will receive special holiday-themed T-shirts. Independence Day (July 2-July 8); Labor Day (Aug. 27-Sept. 9).

In addition, the American Red Cross will donate 1,000 coloring books to children in local hospitals in honor of reaching 1,000 first-time donors during the summer campaign.

The American Red Cross of the Greater Lehigh Valley serves more than 800,000 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 23,000 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.