Need for Blood Never Takes a Vacation

Need for Blood Never Takes a Vacation

News Release: June 6, 2008
Contact: Janice Osborne, Director-Communications and Marketing; American Red Cross of the Greater Lehigh Valley (610) 865-4400, ext. 262; pager (610) 508-4378

Donate Blood to the Red Cross This Month

Because people are vacationing and schools are out, blood supplies often dwindle between the June and September months. Without regular blood donations, the area blood supply can become scarce.

"The need for blood never takes a vacation," says Sharon Kendig, branch manager of the American Red Cross of the Greater Lehigh Valley's office in Lehighton. "We encourage residents to donate this summer. The need for blood is constant … the gratification is instant."

The American Red Cross of the Greater Lehigh Valley will hold the following blood drives this month in Carbon County:

Monday, June 23, from 1 p.m. - 6 p.m., at Jim Thorpe Memorial Hall, West 10th Street, Jim Thorpe;

Thursday, June 26, from 1 p.m. - 6 p.m., at Palmerton Boro Hall, 455 Delaware Avenue, Palmerton;

Friday, June 27, from 1 p.m. - 6 p.m., at Blue Mountain Health System, Sixth & Iron streets in Lehighton.

"We are grateful to Jim Thorpe Market and Convenient Food Mart of Palmerton for providing refreshments for our Red Cross blood drives," adds Kendig.

As a special thank you for taking the time to donate blood and helping to save lives, all presenting donors for the month of June 2008 will automatically be entered into the "King of the Grill" drawing to win a barbecue package which includes a gas grill, utensils, Red Cross apron, and a $100 Omaha Steaks gift certificate. In addition, all presenting donors at the Carbon County blood drives will automatically be entered to win a VIP package to one of two Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees baseball games, and weekly drawings for a $25 VISA Gift Card.

Anyone who is at least 17 years old, who weighs at least 110 pounds, and is healthy may give blood or platelets. With the submission of a signed parental consent form, 16-year-olds who weigh at least 110 pounds and are in good health also can donate blood. Parental consent forms are available from nurse supervisors at Red Cross drives.

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 690,000 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.