Red Cross invites blood donors to share:
"Why I Donate Blood"

Governor Eliot Spitzer issued a proclamation supporting March as national Red Cross Month. The governor's statement is in keeping with this annual tradition started in 1943 by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, which serves to publicly recognize the humanitarian services and accomplishments of the American Red Cross. In the decades following the first celebration of American Red Cross Month, many Americans have eloquently voiced tributes to the accomplishments of Red Cross volunteers and the many contributions to society.

To honor the nationally observed American Red Cross Month in March 2007, the American Red Cross Blood Services, New York-Penn Region, is seeking testimonials from blood donors about why they choose to help save lives by giving blood. In 100 words or less, donors are asked to answer the question, "Why I Donate Blood," by visiting www.donatebloodnow.org/why. Many of the entries will be selected for submission in a special book and everyone who participates may receive a free copy. Deadline for submission is March 31.

The American Red Cross Blood Services, New York-Penn Region is calling for all eligible donors to give blood to help make up for the more than 3,000 units that went uncollected due to cancelled drives and low donor turnout during the winter weather.

All current eligible and new donors are urged to schedule and keep appointments to donate blood today by calling 1-800-GIVE LIFE (1-800-448-3543) or visiting www.DonateBloodNow.org.

March 18, 2007