Red Cross Celebrates Traveling Donor Center

WEST HENRIETTA, NY (05/27/2008)(readMedia)-- OPPORTUNITY FOR COVERAGE

What:

The American Red Cross asks the community to help celebrate the launch of its new traveling donor center.

Who:

Kay Schwartz, CEO, American Red Cross Blood Services, New York-Penn Region Blood Recipients and Donors, and Supporters of the Red Cross

When:

Thursday, May 29

12:00 PM-12:30PM

Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

(Tour immediately following the Ceremony)

Where:

Fishkill Town Hall

807 Route 52

Fishkill, NY

Background:

The Traveling Donor Centers makes it possible to collect blood from donors in locations that traditionally are unable to host a blood drive. This may be due to spatial constraints, lack of air conditioning, or too small a number of employees to make a blood drive feasible. It can operate in any location where parking is available, such as an office park or a shopping mall. The vehicle holds five donor chairs, three medical history stations, a canteen area, and space for two double red cell machines.

A five-bed Traveling Donor Center has the capacity to collect 30 or more units of blood a day, 150 units a week—potentially adding more than 7,500 units of lifesaving blood a year. It was purchased with funds generously provided by a New York State grant.

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Editor’s Note: Blood recipients and donors may be available for interviews.