American Red Cross in Need of Donations

• The American Red Cross reports a drop in blood donations as the weather warms up and summer vacations begin. Volunteer donors are urgently reminded to make an appointment to donate blood and are asked to please keep that appointment. Patients, who need blood every day, sometimes unexpectedly, count on blood donors like you.

• Blood donations generally decline in the summer. A blood shortage, such as we saw last summer, can have real consequences for our State, possibly affecting surgery schedules and emergency response. In a challenge recently issued to Connecticut businesses, Governor Rell states “this year, I would like us to work together to ensure an adequate blood supply in our State during the summer months. It is important that our State is not faced with another blood shortage this summer.” Last summer Connecticut was faced with a low number of blood drives scheduled during the summer as key blood types dropped to less than half a day’s supply.

• All blood types are needed. O-negative blood type is especially needed. O-negative blood is the universal blood type and may be safely transfused to any patient in emergency situations.

• All presenting donors in the months of July and August 2009 will receive a coupon for a free carton of Friendly’s ice cream, redeemable at participating Friendly’s restaurants. Make It a Sweet Summer and Enjoy Life’s Sweet Rewards courtesy of Friendly’s. *Donors may need to pay tax on the retail cost of the ice cream, where applicable.

• In addition, between July 8th and July 14th, inclusive, all presenting donors will be entered to win a pair of tickets to “The Bob Dylan Show” starring Bob Dylan and his band, John Mellencamp along with Willie Nelson and family at New Britain Stadium, home of the New Britain Rock Cats on Wednesday July 15th. Gates open at 5 p.m. Concert begins at 5:30 p.m. Free admission for each child 14 and under accompanied by an adult ticket holder. This offer is not redeemable for cash. The tickets are non-transferrable.

• Please call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE or go to bloodct.org today to schedule an appointment or to learn how you can get involved.
The need is constant. The gratification is instant. Give blood.™