“Communities That Care” Drive in Syracuse All Eligible Donors Welcome
(Syracuse, NY – July 2014) The need for blood never takes a summer vacation. That’s why the American Red Cross is partnering with 100 Black Men of Syracuse, Inc. for a special “Communities That Care” blood drive on Saturday Aug. 2 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Bethany Baptist Church at 149 Beattie St. in Syracuse. A “Community That Cares” blood drive is a Red Cross initiative to engage local citizens and boost regional blood supplies by enlisting community support. All eligible donors are welcome.
To best meet the needs of all patients, it is vitally important that the community blood supply reflect diversity of the U.S. population. Less than 10 percent of the total eligible U.S. population gives blood and only approximately one percent of the African American Community donates blood. Some African Americans have rare blood types that are unique to the African American community. It is imperative that blood donors are as diverse as the patients who need their help.
“Many people say they never fully understood the importance of donating blood until they or someone they love needed it,” said Kay E. Schwartz, CEO, of the Red Cross New York-Penn Blood Services Region. “Donors are needed every single day to ensure an adequate blood supply is available for patients this summer and throughout the year.”
During the summer months, on average, about two fewer donors give blood at every American Red Cross blood drive than what hospital patients need. This can add up to more than 100,000 fewer donations during the summer. Blood and platelet donations are needed every day for patients with serious medical conditions including accident and burn victims, cancer patients and heart surgery patients. By giving blood through the Red Cross, donors will give patients in need hope and a chance to create memories that will last a lifetime.
The Red Cross is urging all eligible donors to help keep the blood supply strong this summer by making an appointment to donate blood today. Your blood donation can help save the life of a child or an adult in our community. Blood is an essential component for patient care in area hospitals, and the only source of blood is a healthy, volunteer blood donor.
All presenting donors at this blood drive will receive a free t-shirt and a coupon for $2.50 off the purchase of a 48 oz. container of Turkey Hill All Natural Ice Cream.* Walk-ins are always welcome, but donors are encouraged to schedule an appointment in advance by calling 1-800 RED CROSS or by visiting redcrossblood.org.
How to donate blood
Simply call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are
17 years of age (16 with parental consent in some states), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.
About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission.
*Prizes and coupons are non-transferable and not redeemable for cash.