RED CROSS MONTH HONORS “SILENT HEROES”

Decade-Long Donors Recognized in New York-Penn Region

WEST HENRIETTA, NY (03/11/2008)(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 proclamations 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.”

In honor of Red Cross Month, the Red Cross is proud to announce that it is celebrating 43 regional “Blood Donors of the Decade.” Donors of the Decade are blood donors who have given blood at least six times a year, every year, for ten years.

Donors in the Greater Rochester Metropolitan Area include: Bruce Dunn, (Fairport); Stephen Findlay, (Pittsford); Kurt Koehler, (Fairport); Bruce Rouse, (Rochester); Edward Leicht, (Pittsford); Armund Palms, (Fairport); Eloise Puls, (Avon); Mary Reifsnyder, (Fairport); Stephen Stocker, (Rochester).

“Red Cross Month is a perfect time to recognize and celebrate the blood donors 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 who partner with us in our mission to save lives.”

Each day, 1,200 units of blood must be collected throughout the 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.

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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