The Red Cross Joins with Police, Fire and Military to Honor Patriot Day

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Donate blood on Patriot Day and help keep the nation’s blood supply stable

OMAHA, Neb. (September 4, 2008) – The American Red Cross is partnering with the Omaha Police and Fire Departments and Offutt Air Force Base to host the 7th Annual Patriot Day Blood Drive on September 11 at the Omaha Firefighters Union Hall and the Offutt Community Center for Authorized Personnel. The drives, sponsored by Action 3 News and CD 105.9, are a chance for public safety personnel and the community to donate blood. 

September is National Preparedness Month and the Omaha Police and Fire Departments along with Offutt AFB leadership, are encouraging people to prepare for emergencies and donate blood this September to ensure the blood supply remains stable.   The importance of preparedness hit home on August 20th when Omaha Police Officer Paul Latschar was shot in the line of duty and received approximately 20 units of blood to survive, roughly twice his total blood volume. It was through the generosity of blood donors that the blood was available when Latschar needed it.

“Blood is a perishable resource and must be constantly replenished”, said Dr. Ram Reddy, interim CEO of the local Red Cross Blood Services region.  “Red blood cells have a shelf life of only 42 days and platelets just 5 days.  So it’s important that eligible donors donate regularly.”

Thursday, September 11, 2008
Omaha Firefighters Union Hall
6005 Grover St Omaha 
7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. 
               
Offutt Community Center– Authorized Personnel Only   
406 Custer Drive- Offutt Air Force Base Bellevue
8:00a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
 
Friday, September 12, 2008
Offutt Community Center – Authorized Personnel Only
406 Custer Drive- Offutt Air Force Base Bellevue
7:30a.m. - 11:30a.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. Eligible donors must be at least 17-years-old, or 16-years-old with a signed Red Cross parental/guardian consent form, must weigh at least 110 pounds and be in general good health.

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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