President Bush Declares March Red Cross Month

WEST HENRIETTA, NY (03/12/2008)(readMedia)-- Continuing a tradition of an annual proclamation given by every president of the United States since Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1943, George W. Bush recently issued a proclamation declaring March as Red Cross Month. Red Cross Month is a time set aside to recognize those who volunteer their time in the spirit of “neighbor helping neighbor.”

Each day, 1,200 units of blood must be collected throughout the New York – Penn Region to meet the needs of area hospitals. Without blood donors – those “Silent Heroes” who volunteer their time to roll up their sleeves and save lives – this would not be possible as there is no substitute for blood.

“Red Cross Month is a perfect time to recognize and celebrate the individuals, businesses, and volunteers who make our blood program possible,” said Kay Schwartz, chief executive officer, American Red Cross Blood Service, New York – Penn Region. “Our work at the Region would be unattainable without the support of blood donors; the corporate community; and high school blood drive sponsors who partner with us in our mission to save lives.”

The Red Cross encourages all eligible donors to give blood to help make up for the more than 1,807 units that went uncollected due to cancelled drives and low donor turnout during last month’s difficult winter weather. This equates to a loss of one and a half days supply of blood. The Red Cross reminds donors that it is vital that they keep their scheduled appointments, weather permitting, to help meet patient needs.

The Red Cross urges all current eligible and new blood donors to schedule an appointment to give blood by visiting www.DonateBloodNow.org or by calling 1-800-GIVE-LIFE. People who are 17 years or older, weigh at least 110 pounds and are in general good health may be eligible to give blood. 16-year-olds may donate blood provided they bring an original Informed Parental Permission for a 16-Year-Old to Donate Whole Blood to the blood drive. The consent form can be found at www.DonateBloodNow.org/16. Identification is required at the time of donation to give blood.

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