Washington, DC - The American Red Cross urges eligible donors to end summer on a positive and potentially lifesaving note with a blood or platelet donation this Labor Day holiday.
In early August, the Red Cross issued an urgent call for blood donors with types O negative, B negative and A negative blood to donate to help avert an emergency situation. Thousands of people have answered the call to donate in recent weeks, but blood and platelet donors are still needed to help ensure blood products are available to meet hospital patient needs.
“The Red Cross appreciates all those who have made it a priority to give this summer. Between back-to-school planning and end-of-summer activities, this time of year can be an especially difficult time to collect blood,” said Donna M. Morrissey, director of national partnerships, Red Cross Biomedical Services. “The Red Cross must collect 15,000 blood donations every day to meet the needs of patients. Eligible donors are encouraged to make an appointment to give blood or platelets this Labor Day weekend.”
Blood donors with all types, especially O negative, B negative and A negative, are urged to give. Platelet donors and those with type AB blood are also continually needed. To encourage donations during Labor Day weekend, those who come to donate from Sept. 5-7 will receive a limited-edition Red Cross T-shirt, while supplies last.
Those who donated blood earlier this summer may be eligible to donate again. Blood can be safely donated every 56 days and platelets can be given every seven days – up to 24 times a year. To make an appointment, download the free Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
Suburban Propane and Red Cross work together for first summerlong partnership
As the official sponsor of the Red Cross “100 days of summer. 100 days of hope.” campaign, Suburban Propane has helped educate the public, their employees and customers about the constant need for blood and platelet donations. In addition to supporting a summerlong public awareness advertising initiative, nearly 150 Suburban Propane employees have volunteered at Red Cross blood drives and facilities in the first 14 weeks of the campaign, totaling more than 730 hours of volunteer service.
“We are honored to sponsor the American Red Cross “100 days of summer. 100 Days of Hope” national campaign, and proud of our Suburban Propane employees and customers for stepping up all summer to support a lifesaving cause,” said Suburban Propane’s Chief Operating Officer Mark Wienberg. “We hope others will join us in giving the gift of life before summer’s over and all year long.”
Suburban Propane employee Janet Nitchman knows the importance of blood donations firsthand. Nitchman’s husband needed multiple units of blood after receiving a liver transplant. “Without the blood being donated, he wouldn’t be here,” Nitchman said.
“The Red Cross is grateful for the partnership with Suburban Propane and its generous employees," added Morrissey. “Since we first began our partnership in 2012, they have gone above and beyond to serve as champions for blood donation – from raising awareness and volunteering, to donating blood and platelets themselves.”
How to donate blood
Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental consent in some states), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.
About Suburban Propane
Suburban Propane Partners, L.P. (NYSE:SPH) is a nationwide distributor of propane, fuel oil and related products and services, as well as a marketer of natural gas and electricity. Headquartered in Whippany, New Jersey, Suburban serves the energy needs of more than 1.2 million residential, commercial, industrial and agricultural customers through more than 710 locations in 41 states.
About the American Red Cross: The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org
