Red Cross Asks Blood Donors To “Give A Little Of Their Selves" This Summer

Blood Donors Urged To Give Blood At The Start Of The Memorial Day Weekend

WEST HENRIETTA, NY (05/20/2008)(readMedia)-- As summer begins to unfold with the start of the memorial day weekend, the Red Cross urges eligible and new donors to “give a little of their selves this summer” and donate blood. Donors are needed because blood donations take a dramatic decline in summer months – as much as 10-15 percent! The temporary loss of school blood drives coupled with summer vacation schedules can create a tenuous environment for the blood supply.

“The Memorial Day weekend is the unofficial signal for people to begin planned summer activities. It is also the start of when blood donations typically begin to decline,” said Kay Schwartz, Chief Executive Officer, New York - Penn Region. “To help ensure that adequate supplies of blood are available now and throughout the summer, the Red Cross encourages eligible bood donors of all types to set aside time from their busy schedules and make a special effort to give a little of their selves and donate blood in memory of a loved one this holiday weekend.”

The following blood donation centers in the Albany area will be open on the observed holiday, Monday, May 26:

BDC Crosstown, Rte. 7 & Watt St., Schenectady, 7:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

BDC Everett, 33 Everett Rd., Albany, 7:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

As a thank you to donors, tee-shirts will be given to all presenting donors from Saturday, May 24 - Monday, May 26. In addition, all presenting donors at all blood drives through May 31 are eligible to enter a random drawing to win a free gas grill.

All current eligible and new donors are strongly urged to schedule and keep appointments to donate blood today by calling 1-800-GIVE-LIFE(1-800-448-3543)or visiting www.DonateBloodNow.org. Anyone 17 years or older, weighing at least 110 pounds and in general good health may be eligible to donate blood. Sixteen-year-olds may donate blood provided they bring an original Signed Informed Parental Consent 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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