AMERICAN RED CROSS BLOOD SERVICES RESPONDS TO CHATSWORTH TRAIN CRASH

LOS ANGELES, CA (09/12/2008)(readMedia)-- In immediate response to this afternoon's fatal train crash and derailment in Chatsworth, California, the American Red Cross Blood Services has shipped additional Type O blood to help surrounding hospitals and trauma centers.

"We believe the immediate needs of local hospitals that will be treating an influx of trauma patients as a result of today's train accident have been met," states Charles E. Wilcox, CEO of American Red Cross Blood Services, Southern California Region. "In addition, our blood donor centers extended their hours this evening and will be open tomorrow morning, so we can begin replenishing the blood that has been used in response to this incident."

Any person age 17 or older (age 16 if accompanied by a parent) and weighing at least 110 pounds may be eligible to donate blood. Eligible donors are asked to schedule an appointment to donate by calling 1-800-GIVE-LIFE (1-800-448-3543) or by visiting givelife.org. For Spanish, please call 1-866-POR-VIDA (1-866-767-8432).

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