Give Blood or Platelets, See Rascal Flatts in Concert

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MADISON, Wis. (June 6, 2008) – The American Red Cross is teaming up with Rascal Flatts, members of the Red Cross National Celebrity Cabinet, to raise awareness about the ongoing need for blood and platelets. To encourage blood and platelet donors to help Meet the Need, the Red Cross is holding a raffle for Rascal Flatts concert tickets.

Every summer, Red Cross officials say blood and platelet donations lag as many donors vacation or are otherwise occupied with summer activities and neglect to donate. The average blood donor gives less than two times a year. Blood is a perishable product with a shelf life of only 42 days and platelets just five days, so it must be replenished constantly. Eligible blood donors can donate whole blood every 56 days and can donate platelets up to 24 times a year.

All blood types and products continue to be needed, especially type O negative. The Red Cross’ type O negative blood supply has reached dangerously low levels; less than a one-day supply. Type O negative blood is important in the treatment of patients because it can be potentially transfused to anyone, regardless of their blood type.

“The number one reason people don’t give blood is because no one asked them,” said Tony Procaccio, CEO of the Badger-Hawkeye Blood Service Region. “Consider yourself asked! The stability of the blood supply is in the hands of volunteer blood donors. Every blood donation counts.”

At participating blood donation centers from June 9 through June 14, all presenting blood and platelet donors can enter their name into the raffle for a pair of tickets to the June 30 Rascal Flatts Summerfest concert at the Marcus Amphitheatre in Milwaukee, Wis. Admission to Summerfest is included with the tickets. Two winners will be drawn.

Participating Rascal Flatts Blood Donation Centers
Dubuque Blood Donation Center, 2400 Asbury Rd, Dubuque IA
Grant Wood Blood Donation Center, 6300 Rockwell Dr NE, Cedar Rapids IA
Waterloo Blood Donation Center, 2530 University Ave, Waterloo IA
Green Bay Blood Donation Center, 2131 Deckner Ave, Green Bay WI
La Crosse Blood Donation Center, 1427 Hwy 16, La Crosse WI
Madison East Blood Donation Center, 2109 Zeier Rd, Madison WI
Madison West Blood Donation Center, 4860 Sheboygan Ave, Madison WI
Stevens Point Blood Donation Center, 3201 Main St, Stevens Point WI
Waukesha Blood Donation Center, 2220 Silvernail Rd, Pewaukee WI

How to Donate Blood
Simply call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE (1-800-448-3543) or visit givebloodgivelife.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. Donors must be at least 17 years old, 16 years old with a signed parent/guardian consent form in Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska and Wisconsin and must weigh at least 110 pounds.

About the American Red Cross
Governed by volunteers and supported by giving individuals and communities, the American Red Cross is the single largest supplier of blood products to hospitals throughout the United States. While local hospital needs are always met first, the Red Cross also helps ensure no patient goes without blood no matter where or when they need it. In addition to providing nearly half of the nation’s blood supply, the Red Cross provides relief to victims of disaster, trains millions in lifesaving skills, serves as a communication link between U.S. military members and their families, and assists victims of international disasters or conflicts.

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