Donate Blood at the Summer Holiday Blood Drive and Help Boost Blood Supplies for the Fourth of July Weekend

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MADISON, Wis. (June 19, 2008) – As you’re making your check-list for the July 4th weekend getaway, the Red Cross hopes you’ll add “donate blood” to the list and cross it off on July 2 or 3 at the 1st Annual Summer Holiday Blood Drive at the Evangel Life Center. Join NBC15’s Chief Meteorologist David George on July 2 as he provides the holiday weekend forecast and enter for your chance to win NASCAR tickets.

Help save a life and join area blood donors for an early Fourth of July celebration at the Evangel Life Center, July 2-3. All presenting donors are eligible to sign-up for a chance to win tickets to a 2008 NASCAR race in Joliet, Ill. Picnic food such as hot dogs, fruit, chips and ice cream will be provided in the refreshment area. Every presenting blood donor will also receive a holiday t-shirt.

“July 2 and 3 may be our most challenging, but most important days for people to donate blood all year long,” said Tony Procaccio, CEO of the Badger-Hawkeye Blood Services Region. “During the July 4th holiday weekend, people forget to donate blood, so if we can capture their generosity during the days prior to the long weekend, we can ensure blood is available for patients in need.”

Every summer, Red Cross officials say blood donations lag as many donors vacation or are otherwise occupied with summer activities and neglect to donate. The sometimes dire situation can be exacerbated by an approximate 50 percent drop in blood donations from high school- and college-aged donors because school is not in session and campus blood drives don’t occur. Up to 20 percent of the Red Cross’ blood donations come from high schools, colleges and universities during the regular school year.

Eligible blood donors are encouraged to call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE or go to givebloodgivelife.org to schedule an appointment to donate blood at the 1st Annual Summer Holiday Blood Drive. Scheduling appointments in advance allows the Red Cross to make donations as convenient as possible for donors.

1st Annual Summer Holiday Blood Drive Information
Evangel Life Center
4402 Femrite Drive, Madison
Located off of the Beltline and Hwy 51, next to the Days Inn

Blood drive hours:
July 2 from 12:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
July 3 from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.

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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