Help Beef Up Nebraska’s Blood Supply This Summer

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Beef, It's what’s for dinner ....and donors

OMAHA, Neb. (June 18, 2008) – The Nebraska Beef Council, along with the American Red Cross, have teamed up for the annual “Beef Up Nebraska’s Blood Supply.” The Nebraska Beef Council will make five stops across the state July through September to support this campaign.  Blood donors at these special drives in York, Stromsburg, Holdrege, Loup City and Ogallala will be served a beef lunch, given nutrition information and will have a chance to win door prizes,  including a George Foreman Grill and beef basket at each drive.

“The number one reason that donors are deferred from giving blood, is because they have low iron stores, and because beef is an excellent source of iron, this is a great partnership,” said Kaiti Roeder, a registered dietitian and Director of Nutrition and Education for the Nebraska Beef Council.    “Besides foods that are fortified with iron, such as breads and cereals, beef is the number one source of iron in any type of food.  Eating iron rich foods, such as beef, helps keep your iron stores in your blood at adequate levels,” stated Roeder.

Collecting blood during the summer months is often more difficult than during other times of the year. Up to 20 percent of blood donations made to the Red Cross comes from colleges, universities and high schools. When school is out of session during the summer, these donations can drop by as much as 53 percent.

 “The average blood donor gives less than two times a year”, said Dr. Ram Reddy, Interim CEO of the local Red Cross Blood Services region. “It’s important to remember that you can donate whole blood every 56 days.” The need for blood is constant, but during the summer your gift of blood donation is especially important. Give a little of yourself and donate blood. When you give blood to the Red Cross, you can change a life, starting with your own.

Upcoming Blood Donation Opportunities

  • York Community blood drive on July 14th-15th from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. on the 14th and 10 a.m. to 4p.m. on the 15th
  • Stromsburg Community blood drive on July 24th from 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
  • Holdrege Community blood drive on August 6th from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Ogallala Community blood drive on August 19th – 20th from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the 19th and 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the 20th
  • Loup City Community blood drive on September 24th from 11 p.m. - 5 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 Nebraska, 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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