Despite High Heat, Blood Donors
Still Needed to Help Patients
News Release: July 9, 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


The recent high temperatures in the greater Lehigh Valley have caused many people to cancel some activities, but the American Red Cross reminds blood donors that it is important to make and keep appointments to give blood. The need for blood does not decline with the heat, and volunteer blood donors are needed to help ensure hospital patients receive lifesaving blood products.

The Red Cross has these tips for a successful blood donation in the hot weather:

  • Drink extra water and fluids to help replace the volume you will donate

  • Avoid tea, coffee or other beverages with caffeine, and alcohol

  • Get a good night's sleep before your donation appointment

  • Wear cool, loose clothing

  • Eat a healthy meal before arriving for your blood donation

  • Re-hydrate by drinking plenty of fluids over the 24-48 hours following your donation

    Eligible volunteer blood donors are asked to please call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org to find a blood drive and to make appointments.

    During July, all presenting blood donors will receive a sweet treat to help beat the heat as everyone who comes in to donate blood at a Red Cross blood drive in Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont, Maine, Northeastern Pennsylvania and parts of New York will receive a coupon for a free* carton of Friendly's ice cream, redeemable at participating Friendly's restaurants.

    Locally, the American Red Cross will hold the following blood drives in July:

  • Monday, July 26, from 1 to 6 p.m., at the Greater Lehigh Valley Red Cross, 2200 Avenue A, Bethlehem;

  • Tuesday, July 27, from 2 to 6 p.m., at Mountain Laurel Resort and Spa, Route 940, White Haven.

    The summer months are traditionally a challenging time for blood collection. During the school year, donations from high school and college students account for approximately 15 percent of Red Cross blood collections. In the summer, these donors become much more difficult to reach, with schools not in session and many families on vacation.

    Every two seconds, someone in the United States needs blood. Accident victims as well as patients with cancer, sickle cell disease, blood disorders and other illnesses receive lifesaving transfusions every day. There is no substitute for blood and generous donors are the only source.

    Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental permission in some states), meet weight and height requirements (110 pounds or more, depending on their height) and are in generally good health may be eligible to give blood. Please bring your Red Cross blood donor card or other form of positive ID when you come to donate.


    * Donors may need to pay tax on the retail cost of the ice cream, where applicable.

    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. The Red Cross is a charitable organization - not a government agency - and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. 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.