Blood Donations Lag; Your Help is Needed
News Release: July 9, 2007
Contact: Janice Osborne, Director-Communications and Marketing; American Red Cross of the Greater Lehigh Valley (610) 865-4400, ext. 262; pager (610) 508-4378

The number of people giving blood has fallen since the beginning of summer while patients in need of blood has not lessened, say Red Cross Blood Services officials.

“Blood donations help surgery patients, trauma and burn victims, cancer patients, patients with blood disorders such as anemia, and others,” said Molly Dalton, communications manager for the American Red Cross Blood Services, Northeastern Pennsylvania Region. “We urge people who are eligible to give blood now for patients throughout northeastern and central Pennsylvania who need blood to help them battle illness or injury.”

The American Red Cross will host a blood drive at the Nesquehoning Recreation Center, 353 West Railroad Street, Nesquehoning, on Friday, July 20, from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.

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

“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™. This month you could win a $50 gas card, an Apple iPod, or tickets to a Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees home game.

“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.”

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.

The American Red Cross of the Greater Lehigh Valley serves more than 680,000 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.