News from American Red Cross - NY-PA Blood Services Region

For more information contact: Francine Patella-Ryan, 800-756-1196

Red Sox Fans – We have World Series Tickets!

All who come to donate blood or platelets at an American Red Cross blood drive in the Northeast can Enter for a Chance to Win a pair of World Series Tickets at Fenway Park!

WEST HENRIETTA, NY (10/22/2007; 1442)(readMedia)-- The American Red Cross is offering a chance to win a pair of tickets to each World Series Red Sox home games during the 2007 World Series. All who present to donate blood at an American Red Cross Blood drive across the Northeast Division beginning Tues., Oct. 23, and Wed., Oct. 24, can enter to win the chance of a lifetime to see a World Series game at Fenway Park. Drawings will be held prior to each home game. Tickets are non-transferable and one ticket must be used by the winner.

“We are delighted to be able to thank a lucky blood donor for giving the gift of life. The American Red Cross continues to face an unexpected shortage in the blood supply across the Northeast Division. We are hoping eligible blood donors will call 1-800-GIVE LIFE to make up this shortfall and we are happy to have the opportunity to offer those who come to donate blood the chance of a lifetime to see World Series baseball at Fenway Park,” said Donna M. Morrissey, Director of Corporate Affairs and Public Relations, American Red Cross Blood Services – Northeast Division.

All current eligible and new donors are strongly urged to call 1-800-GIVE LIFE (1-800-448-3543) or visit www.DonateBloodNow.org to schedule an appointment. Blood donors must be at least 17-years-old, weigh at least 110 pounds and be in general good health. In New York State, 16-year-olds may donate blood provided they bring an original signed New York State 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 to donate blood.

The American Red Cross Blood Services across the Northeast Division must distribute approximately 3,000 units of blood each day just to meet the basic needs of area patients. Only five percent of those eligible to donate blood actually do so. Blood must be available whenever and wherever it is needed for patients. The Northeast Division serves the states of Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, and portions of New York and Pennsylvania.

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