Tri-City Blood Drive Offers Residents a Chance to Be a Hero

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NTV and YMCA Join Forces with Red Cross to Encourage Blood Donations

OMAHA, Neb. (May 5, 2008) – With summer just around the corner and school almost done for the year, May marks the beginning of family vacations, leaving many regular blood donors traveling and unable to give blood. The American Red Cross and NTV are teaming up for the fifth year to promote blood donation at three YMCA blood drives in Kearney, Grand Island and Hastings on Monday, May 12th. All presenting donors will receive a free t-shirt and other goodies donated by local vendors.

The American Red Cross is reminding donors that when you give blood, you can be a hero and help save lives. The Red Cross asks all healthy, eligible blood donors to give blood this May and help patients with serious medical needs.

This time of year it becomes more difficult to maintain a stable blood supply as donors get busy with the end of the school year, graduations and the Memorial Day holiday. The stability of our nation’s blood supply depends on thoughtful, dedicated volunteer blood donors who understand that healthy people should give blood for patients in need.

“In order to prepare for the potential loss of donors due to family vacations and other travel, the Red Cross needs all eligible donors to give blood,” said Dr. Ram Reddy, interim CEO of the local Red Cross Blood Services region. “The support of the community is vital to our cause of saving lives.”

Fifth Annual Tri-City Blood Drive
Monday, May 12th from 12:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Kearney YMCA: 4500 6th Ave
Grand Island YMCA: 222 E 3rd St
Hastings YMCA: 1220 W 18th

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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