Red Cross Expands Hours at Blood Donation Centers to Welcome Additional Donors

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MADISON, Wis. (June 16, 2008) – Severe weather and flooding forced the Badger-Hawkeye Blood Services Region of the American Red Cross to cancel eight community blood drives and close two Blood Donation Centers last week, resulting in hundreds less blood and platelet donations when patient need held constant. In an effort to welcome additional blood donors who were less-affected by the devastation, the Red Cross is expanding hours at two Madison area Blood Donation Centers, one in Green Bay and one in Dubuque, Iowa.

For the week of Monday, June 16, the following Red Cross Blood Donation Centers will be open Monday-Thursday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. (7 a.m. to 12 p.m. in Dubuque), and Saturday 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. (7 a.m. to 12 p.m. in Dubuque).

Madison East Blood Donation Center
2109 Zeier Rd, Madison

Madison West Blood Donation Center
4860 Sheboygan Ave, Madison

Green Bay Blood Donation Center
2131 Deckner Ave, Green Bay

Dubuque Blood Donation Center 
2400 Asbury Rd, Dubuque

Eligible donors are encouraged to make a blood or platelet donation appointment within the next few days to help replenish lifesaving blood supplies. Call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE (1-800-448-3543) or go online to givebloodgivelife.org to make a blood donation appointment.

All blood types are needed, especially type O negative. Type O negative blood is very important in the treatment of patients because it can potentially be transfused to anyone, regardless of their blood type.

Race fans will also have an opportunity to win tickets to the July 12 NASCAR Race at the Chicagoland Speedway in Joliet, Ill. All presenting blood and platelet donors who visit the Madison, Green Bay and Dubuque Blood Donation Centers between June 16 to June 30, 2008 can enter to win tickets to the July 11 and 12 NASCAR race weekend in Joliet, Ill.

The American Red Cross is teaming up with 3M and Roush Fenway Racing to launch Red Cross Racing, a campaign to engage NASCAR fans as blood donors and to raise awareness about the ongoing need for blood. Every two seconds, someone in America needs blood.

Through the support of 3M and Roush Fenway, the campaign opened April 27, 2008 at the Talladega race and runs through January 15, 2009. Race fans can visit redcrossracing.com to sign up for a new donor rewards program and accrue points to be exchanged for Red Cross Racing gear including items like caps, t-shirts, jackets and limited edition die-cast cars. Registrants between now and October 1 will be entered into a sweepstakes to win an all-expense-paid trip for two to the Phoenix race on November 9, 2008. An additional drawing will take place in January 2009 for a second prize package. Winners will receive airfare, hotel, pit and garage tours, and two race tickets.

A blood donor’s card, driver’s license, or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Donors need to be at least 17 years of age (16 with a signed Red Cross parental/guardian consent form where state permits) and must weigh at least 110 pounds. To find out how to help with ongoing disaster relief efforts, call 1-800-RED-CROSS.

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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