American Red Cross | eNewsletter

The need is constant.
The gratification is instant.
Give blood.^TM

Add saving lives to your summer to-do list


Tony, physical therapy student and blood donor since 1994.

You don't need to sit in a lifeguard tower all afternoon this summer to help save lives. You can be a lifesaver, like Tony, by donating blood or platelets, or volunteering through the American Red Cross.

Stay involved during the summer months by donating or volunteering at a blood drive, taking a Red Cross CPR/First Aid class, being trained as a disaster relief volunteer or making disaster preparedness presentations to your community. Click here to checkout Red Cross volunteer opportunities and hear why others volunteer through the Red Cross.

Celebrating blood donors

June 14, 2010 is World Blood Donor Day – a day to raise awareness about the constant need for a safe and stable worldwide blood supply and celebrate the millions of blood and platelet donors who give generously.

More than 80 million units of blood are collected globally every year. Only 38 percent of these are donated in developing and transitional countries where more than 82 percent of the world's population lives.

This year, the Red Cross and World Blood Donor Day organizations are focusing on nurturing a new generation of blood and platelet donors. The slogan "New Blood for the World" illustrates the important contribution young people make by donating blood. Help spread the word and make a blood donation appointment today.

Six-month-old and family thankful for blood donors


The Rannow family and Red Cross staffer, Deb Anderson.

Generous donors like you help patients like 6-month-old Cameron Rannow every time you roll up your sleeve.

Cameron was born with hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS), a condition where the heart's left side is undeveloped. He had his first surgery at just eight days old and needed a blood transfusion. Six months later, Cameron had a second operation to rebuild his aorta that required blood and plasma transfusions.

To thank the Red Cross and help replenish supplies for other patients, Cameron's parents Shawna and Virgil hosted a blood drive in his honor. Both donated for the first time. Find a blood drive in your area and make an appointment to help patients like Cameron. Or learn more about hosting a blood drive.

New and improved website

The Red Cross has launched a new website to better serve you. The new website offers many new features in addition to those you're used to, including a blood donor community where you can tell your story and read stories from other donors, volunteers and recipients.

Give Blood

Volunteer

Share Your Story

Send an eCard

Newsroom

Red Cross Blog

Save lives. Get points. Vote for Greg.

The Red Cross teams up for the third year with 3M Corporation, Roush Fenway Racing and Greg Biffle, Red Cross blood donor and driver of the #16 car, to remind NASCAR fans about the ongoing need for blood and platelet donations though the Red Cross Racing program.

Record your blood and platelet donations at Red Cross Racing and get points that can be exchanged for exclusive NASCAR® racing gear and collectables. Join the race where everybody wins. You can also cast your vote for NASCAR Driver Greg Biffle (#16 car) to be included in the May All-Star Race in Charlotte, N.C.

Take Your Pulse

Visit this link and let us know if you'll schedule an appointment to donate blood or platelets with a friend this summer.

Sounding Off

We wish we could list all the great feedback we get from donors, but there's only so much room. Here's one response from Jennifer Barry, Omaha, Neb.

"Blood transfusions saved my life two days ago and I wanted you to know that what you do is never forgotten. I will always hold donors in my heart with respect and profound appreciation.

It's so weird being on the receiving end. I've donated blood whenever I could and had no idea that small duty I performed could potentially save my own life. Without the units I received I wouldn't be here to thank anyone. I know firsthand what a difference those precious gifts of blood do for someone in desperate need. Donors are miracle workers! Please remember that every time you give blood to the Red Cross. I can't say thank you enough."

Thank you for spreading the word!

Thanks to all of the Red Cross donors who forwarded the March eNewsletter to at least five friends and helped spread the word about the importance of blood donation!

Bill Wissbaum, a 10-gallon donor from Lancaster, Wis. is the March raffle winner of a vintage-style Red Cross baseball cap.

You could be a winner this month. Everyone who forwards this eNewsletter to at least five people using the Send to a Friend feature will automatically be entered into a raffle to win a vintage-style American Red Cross beach towel.

2010 Calendar