March is Red Cross Month!

With March proclaimed as Red Cross Month by President Barack Obama, the Greater Alleghenies Blood Services Regionalso recognizes and thanks the blood donors and volunteers whose efforts enable the Red Cross to respond to provide blood and blood products to hospital patients both down the street and across the country.

“We are grateful for all the people in our Region who support Red Cross Blood Services,” said John Hagins, CEO of the Blood Services Region. “We have so many people who donate blood, volunteer as blood drive sponsors and volunteer working at the dozens of blood drives each week. Our hospitals depend upon the Red Cross as their primary source of blood products, and the Red Cross depends on the support of people in our communities to achieve its mission.”

“During Red Cross Month, we want to recognize the valuable supporters whose generosity makes the work of the American Red Cross possible,” Hagins added. “In addition to donating blood, Red Cross Month is a great time for people to get involved with other Red Cross services, such as signing up for a CPR, first aid or another Red Cross course; giving a financial gift that can really save the day when the next disaster strikes; or getting involved as a volunteer.”

Although major disasters capture attention, the day-to-day work of the Red Cross often takes place in local communities.

The local Blood Services Region serves hospitals, patients and donors in parts of Kentucky, Maryland, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia. It has a goal to collect approximately 237,000 units of blood this fiscal year in order to supply nearly 100 hospitals in its coverage area. The Region also supports blood needs experienced by patients elsewhere in hospitals served through Red Cross Blood Services.

President Franklin D. Roosevelt issued the first Red Cross Month proclamation in 1943, recognizing the American Red Cross as a true reflection of the humanitarian and volunteer spirit and calling on Americans to “rededicate themselves to the splendid aims and activities of the Red Cross.” Every president since that time has recognized the work of the Red Cross with a Red Cross Month. President Obama signed the 2010 Red Cross Month proclamation on February 25.

Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental permission in Kentucky, Maryland, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia), meet height and weight requirements (at least 110 pounds based on height) and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. Please bring your Red Cross blood donor card or other form of positive ID when you come to donate.

Many individuals taking medication for chronic conditions may continue to donate blood. Those with specific eligibility questions should call 1-866-236-3276 and ask to speak to someone at our Donor Client Support Center.

Donation appointments may be scheduled at many Red Cross blood drives. To schedule your blood donation appointment where available, or to find a blood drive near you, visit www.redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS.

Individuals can also follow the Red Cross on Twitter at www.twitter.com/redcrossGAR.