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Media Contact: Jessica Salzman
Phone: 816-841-5227
24-Hour Media Cellphone: 816-721-2504

June 11, 2007

Emergency Appeal for Blood - Blood Supply Almost Depleted

The American Red Cross is calling on all donors

(Kansas City, Mo.)—The American Red Cross Missouri-Illinois Blood Services Region is taking immediate action to help safeguard the public and patients in need. An emergency appeal for blood is issued as the Red Cross struggles to rebuild its dwindling supply.

“We’ve taken several strong steps to avert this emergency appeal,” said David A. Chumley, CEO, American Red Cross Missouri-Illinois Blood Services Region. “However, when the blood supply drops so drastically, we have no choice but to alert the public. Patients are counting on us to supply them with the blood they need to survive, and we will do everything we can to support them. This will take immediate action from the media, the community and eligible donors. I cannot stress enough that the time to donate is now.”

Summer is a difficult time to collect blood, with regular donors on vacation and schools closed. But an increase in outdoor- and travel-related accidents is expected during the warmer months, underscoring the need for an adequate supply of blood.

To schedule an appointment or to find a drive near you, please call Jennifer Hammerman at (816) 841-5303, or click here. Eligible donors must be at least 17 years old (16 with a signed Red Cross parental consent form), weigh 110 pounds or more and be in good, general health the day of donation. Whole blood donors can give blood every 56 days, or up to six times a year. Click here for blood drives that are scheduled throughout the metro area during the month of June.

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