Red Cross and George Eastman House Partner in Blood Drive

Dresden Engle

George Eastman House

585-271-3361, ext. 213

In an effort to help boost declining summer blood donations, the American Red Cross Blood Services, New York-Penn Region and the George Eastman House will hold a blood drive on Friday, June 27, at the George Eastman House/Curtis Theatre, 900 East Avenue, Rochester, from 12:00p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Blood donations take a dramatic decline in the summer months - as much as 10-15 percent. The Red Cross attributes this decline to the temporary loss of school blood drives coupled with summer vacation schedules, which can create a tenuous blood supply. Donations also dip during this time of year because busy schedules prevent blood donors from making and keeping appointments.

"This partnership is a wonderful opportunity for the Red Cross and the Eastman House," said Kay Schwartz, CEO, New York-Penn Region. "There are many people in the community who are friends of the Eastman House and the Red Cross. We are happy to provide a setting, which will make it easier for them to give blood and to take advantage of the special programs at the Eastman House at the same time in one location."

As a special thank you, all presenting donors at the blood drive will receive two free tickets to visit the George Eastman House anytime this summer. In addition, members of the Eastman House, who present to donate, will be able to attend a special preview reception that night at the museum for the exhibition West African Masquerade, at 7:00 p.m.

In addition, all presenting donors who help boost this month's blood supply will receive a Red Cross T-shirt from June 21- July 12. All presenting donors also will be eligible to win one of four $250.00 gas cards. The drawing for the gas cards will be held throughout the Region on Monday, July 7. To register, presenting donors must visit www.pointsforpints.org.

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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