Help a Neighbor, Help a Friend: Donate Blood
News Release: Jan. 25, 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 even across the country. The American Red Cross is offering you a chance to help save up to three lives with your next blood donation. All presenting donors in February 2010 will be eligible to win a three-day Carnival Cruise.

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

Thursday, Feb. 11, from 1 to 6 p.m., at Palmerton Borough Hall, 443 Delaware Ave., Palmerton; refreshment sponsor is East Penn Bank; and,

Thursday, Feb. 25, from 1 to 6 p.m., at Zion United Church of Christ, 225 Iron and Second streets, Lehighton.

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 https://www.givelife.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.