WASHINGTON, June 29, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The
American Red Cross urges eligible donors to make an appointment now
to give blood or platelets and help prevent a summer shortage.
The call for donations is supported by a recent survey of Red
Cross blood and platelet donors showing that more than 40 percent
plan to travel the week before or after Independence Day, an indicator that many eligible
donors may be unavailable to give. In addition, fewer blood drives
are scheduled the week before and after Independence Day, because many hosting
organizations postpone blood drives while people are on
vacation.
Blood donors with all types, especially O negative, A negative
and B negative, and platelet donors are urged to schedule an
appointment. Those who come to donate from July 2-6 will receive a Red Cross embroidered
baseball cap, while supplies last. To make an appointment and for
more information, download the free Blood Donor App, visit
redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
"Adding blood or platelet donation to a vacation to-do list can
mean so much to patients and their families," said Donna M. Morrissey, director of national
partnerships, American Red Cross Biomedical Services. "It's a
simple act, taking as little as an hour, but can touch many
lives."
Suburban Propane steps up to support summer blood and
platelet donations
Suburban Propane is the official sponsor
of the Red Cross "100 days of summer. 100 days of hope." campaign.
The nationwide energy provider is supporting an advertising public
awareness initiative about the constant need for blood and platelet
donations. They are encouraging employees and customers to give
blood or platelets and volunteer at Red Cross blood drives and
facilities. It is one of the largest national volunteer commitments
to the Red Cross Blood Services from a corporate partner.
"Suburban Propane is committed to giving back to our
communities, and we can't think of a better way than by helping the
Red Cross increase blood and platelet donations for patients in
need this time of year," said Suburban Propane's Chief Operating
Officer Mark Wienberg. "We encourage
individuals across the country to join the Suburban Propane family
in rolling up a sleeve to help save lives."
Suburban Propane employee and platelet donor, Will Haropolous, learned that the need for blood
may be closer than one thinks. Haropolous stopped by a restaurant
he frequents following a platelet donation, and one of the
restaurant staff asked about the bandage on his arm. "I told her
that I just donated. She confided in me that she was a hemophiliac
and then thanked me. By donating, you may be helping save the life
of a total stranger, or it just may be someone you know," said
Haropolous.
"The Red Cross appreciates Suburban Propane, its employees and
customers for raising awareness of the need for blood and platelets
this summer and giving themselves," said Morrissey. "Their support
helps the Red Cross continue to ensure blood products are available
for patients whenever and wherever they are needed."
How to donate blood
Simply download the American Red
Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED
CROSS (1-800-733-2767) 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. For more
information, please visit redcross.org or visit us on Twitter at
@RedCross.
About Suburban Propane
Suburban Propane Partners,
L.P. (NYSE:SPH) is a nationwide distributor of propane, fuel oil
and related products and services, as well as a marketer of natural
gas and electricity. Headquartered in Whippany, New Jersey, Suburban serves the
energy needs of more than 1.2 million residential, commercial,
industrial and agricultural customers through more than 710
locations in 41 states.
Logo -
http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20090108/RedCrossLOGO
To view the original version on PR Newswire,
visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/red-cross-urges-blood-and-platelet-donations-to-make-up-for-expected-shortfall-due-to-fourth-of-july-holiday-travel-300104557.html
SOURCE American Red Cross