Soldiers Encourage Family and Friends to Help Save Lives

Joint Forces Training Base Hosts Red Cross Blood Drive

LOS ALAMITOS, CA (03/31/2008)(readMedia)-- The Joint Forces Training Base in Los Alamitos and the American Red Cross invite you to help save lives by donating blood at a special blood drive for soldiers, military personnel, family and friends on Friday, April 4, 12 noon to 6 p.m. The Red Cross blood drive will be held on the base, located at 4022 Saratoga Avenue, Los Alamitos, CA, 90720, in rooms 122 and 123. Blood donation appointments can be made online by visiting www.givelife.org and entering the sponsor code "Training" or by contacting JFTB Public Affairs at (562) 795-2017.

"Approximately 38% of the American population is eligible to donate blood; however, in Southern California, less that 3% donate on a yearly basis," states Clifford Numark, director of donor recruitment for American Red Cross Blood Services, Southern California Region. "In the past few weeks, the Red Cross inventory levels have dipped as low as a five-hour supply of Type O-negative blood and a six-hour supply of Type O-positive blood. These levels are acutely below the five-day supply generally considered adequate. We appreciate the personnel at the Joint Forces Training Base organizing this blood drive as a way to increase donations and help us maintain a safe and adequate blood supply."

Everyone who signs up to donate blood at the Joint Forces Training Base blood drive on April 4 will receive an American Red Cross T-shirt. Participants will also be invited to enter a drawing for a chance to win free movie tickets for a year, a total of 24 tickets. The drawing winner will be announced by May 15, 2008; the prize is nontransferable and not redeemable for cash. American Red Cross employees are not eligible.

Any healthy person age 17 or older (age 16 with written parental permission) and weighing at least 110 pounds may be eligible to donate blood. All eligible donors are encouraged to schedule an appointment to donate blood at the Joint Forces Training Base in Los Alamitos by visiting www.givelife.org and using the sponsor code "Training" or by contacting JFTB Public Affairs at (562) 795-2017.

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