Sheraton Inn & Suites to Host Special Blood Drive

Media contact:
Christy Sabaka, 216.361.7523 (p)
216.308.8348 (c)                                                                                                           redcrossblood.org                                                                                                                                                                   @redcrossbloodcl

Add a chapter to someone’s summer story by giving blood

Red Cross encourages blood donations around holiday

Cleveland, OH (June 27, 2013) — The American Red Cross encourages eligible donors to add another chapter to someone’s summer story by giving blood around Independence Day, when donations historically drop. To assist during this time, the Sheraton Inn & Suites in Cuyahoga Falls will host a special drive on Friday, July 5th from 10 am to 7 pm. The hotel is located at 1989 Front Street in Cuyahoga Falls. The blood drive is also sponsored by Akron General Medical Center.

All who come to donate will enjoy special refreshments, receive a Red Cross baseball hat, raffle prizes and the chance to win the Grand Raffle Prize, which includes a 43” HD Plasma TV, Blu-Ray Player and more provided by Akron General Medical Center.

“Blood and platelet donors can be the heroes and heroines in someone’s story this summer,” said Christy Sabaka, Communications Manager of the Northern Ohio Blood Services Region. “Their donations can give hospital patients another fireworks display, another baseball game, another Independence Day barbecue.”

The Red Cross Summer of Stories campaign seeks at least two more donors — above what’s expected — at every Red Cross blood drive through Sept. 9. Donors of all blood types, especially O negative, A negative and B negative, are urged to schedule an appointment to donate blood now to help avert a summer shortage. In addition, there is an urgent need for platelet donations, as platelet transfusions are currently outpacing donations.

To encourage more donations, all presenting blood and platelet donors between July 1 and July 15 will be entered to win one of five $3,000 American Express gift cards to help create their own summer of stories. Donors can also visit redcrossblood.org/summer to share their summer blood donation story and view videos of patients whose lives were helped by donors.

Appointments are strongly recommended for the Sheraton Inn & Suites blood drive. Visit redcrossblood.org and enter sponsor code AGMC or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to schedule yours.

How to donate blood

Simply call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org 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 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 or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross. 06/13AP290

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