Created: 5/22/2008 4:25:16 PM 
Greensboro, NC -- The sky is sunny. The temperature is warm. Summer vacations, family reunions and road trips are just around the corner and the Greensboro Chapter of the American Red Cross wants to help you reach your destination.
In order to give blood donors a break from gas prices, the Red Cross is entering all volunteer blood donors, who give blood between June 1, 2008 and June 30, 2008, into a drawing for one of two $750 gas cards.
Donors can visit the Nussbaum Blood Center, located at 1501 Yanceyville Street in Greensboro or any of our community blood drives.
"Everyone is experiencing pain at the gas pump," said Judy Lefaive, Blood Center Coordinator. "We hope this gas card give-away will encourage more people to donate blood in June, thus relieving the blood shortages that traditionally go hand-in-hand with the summer months."
Unlike most Americans, the need for blood doesn't take a summer vacation. Actually, the need for blood is constant as every two seconds someone in the United States requires a life-sustaining or life-saving blood transfusion.
In the Carolinas Blood Services Region, the Red Cross must collect at least 1,600 units of blood and platelets each weekday to meet the needs of patients in approximately 103 hospitals and healthcare facilities throughout the region.
Blood donors must be at least 17 years old, weigh at least 110 pounds, be in general good health and provide a valid form of ID. On average, blood donation takes about an hour of time and several lives can be changed through just one donation.
This summer please remember: The need is constant. The gratification is instant. Give blood. To schedule an appointment to donate or learn more about giving blood, call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE or visit redcrossblood.org.
American Red Cross
