Red Cross Joins United We Serve, answer the call by getting involved

The American Red Cross invites you to get involved in honor of United We Serve by becoming a volunteer blood donor or hosting a blood drive. United We Serve culminates in a National Day of Service on September 11.

"The Red Cross has a long history of relying on the valuable service of volunteers," said Gail McGovern, president and CEO of the American Red Cross. "That's why we're very excited to be part of the United We Serve initiative."

The stability of the nation's blood supply is in the hands of healthy, volunteer blood donors who give generously for others in need. The blood you give today can make a difference in the lives of patients in your community and throughout the nation. Answer the call and donate blood or platelets and get involved with the American Red Cross.

September is National Preparedness Month

Red Cross supporters know how important it is to be prepared and have a plan in place should emergency strike. September is National Preparedness Month and the Red Cross urges everyone to be Red Cross Ready: get a kit, make a plan and be informed.

Last month, community volunteers like you helped when heavy rains caused massive flooding in the Louisville, Ky. region. The Louisville Area Red Cross Chapter immediately opened three shelters for those seeking a dry, safe place to sleep and fed hot meals to hundreds until they were able to return to their homes.

Recently, the Twin Cities Red Cross Chapter was able to provide shelter, food and counseling to residents after tornadoes ripped through Minneapolis, Minn. because of the support of giving individuals. For more information on how you can prepare for emergencies, visit this link.

MSL donors rocked, helped save lives

Photo: Brady Callinan

Music Saves Lives 2009 has drawn to a close, but thanks to dedicated blood donors nearly 3,000 pints of blood were donated at Midwest-area Music Saves Lives blood drives this summer! As part of this program, throughout July and into August hundreds of Red Cross blood donors enjoyed special access to the Vans Warped Tour concerts in Indianapolis, Chicago, Cincinnati, Milwaukee, Kansas City and Minneapolis.

This was also the first year the Red Cross used Facebook to reach music fans, with 165 members of the American Red Cross – Music Saves Lives – The Vans Warped Tour (2009) Facebook page.

Stay in touch throughout the rest of the year and become a fan of the American Red Cross Blood Donors on Facebook.

First-time donor says he'll be back

As I stepped out of my mom's car to donate blood for the first time she said, "You ready to help save lives, bud?" And to be honest, I wasn't sure if I'd be able to go through with it.

I'd done nothing but think about donating, making sure I drank lots of fluids and had all the right foods – lots of burgers to be exact.

The entire ride I had butterflies flying inside me, but when I stepped out of the car I realized just how nervous I really was. You see, I've been extremely afraid of needles my entire life. In fact, it took four nurses to hold me down for my tetanus shot and I think I took a swing at one of them!

To all those who don't donate because they fear needles, I promise you it won't hurt. I know – I survived my first blood donation! I ask you to come out and donate just once. It's a lot of fun. You get free food and drinks – not to mention your donation will help save lives.

First-time donor and definitely a life-long donor,
Seth Kurfman