Spring Into Action: Donate Blood
News Release: April 12, 2010
Contact: Janice Osborne, Director-Communications and Marketing
American Red Cross of the Greater Lehigh Valley
(610) 865-4400, ext. 262; pager (610) 830-9771


By donating blood, you'll be taking the opportunity to help someone down the street, one state away or across the country. Every day, blood helps people in need - accident victims, cancer patients, and people with chronic medical conditions. Please help the Red Cross by donating blood - it's convenient, it's easy, and it will make you feel great!

The American Red Cross will hold blood drives in Carbon County on the following days:

Thursday, April 22, from 1 to 6 p.m., at Zion United Church of Christ, Second and Iron streets, Lehighton; and,

Wednesday, April 28, from 1 to 6 p.m., at Palmerton Borough Hall, 443 Delaware Ave., Palmerton. Refreshment sponsor is East Penn Bank of Palmerton.

To donate blood and platelets through the American Red Cross, individuals must be at least 17 years of age, weigh at least 110 pounds, and be in general good health. In Pennsylvania, 16-year-olds may donate blood provided they bring a signed parental consent form to the blood drive. Parental consent forms can be obtained from local high schools prior to the blood drives or directly from nursing supervisors at Red Cross drives. High school students and donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements. Please bring your Red Cross blood donor card or other form of positive ID when you come to donate.

The American Red Cross holds blood drives in communities seven days a week. Please call 1-800-432-8045 to schedule an appointment to donate, or visit www.redcrossblood.org to find a blood drive near you.

The American Red Cross of the Greater Lehigh Valley serves residents of Carbon, Lehigh and Northampton counties. Last year the Red Cross helped more than 70,000 people through preparedness and training, military personnel support, senior lifesaving programs and services, emergency relief and information and referral. 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.