Donors needed at 22nd annual Pump Up the Volume blood drive to help prevent summer blood shortage

The American Red Cross and Rocking M Radio invite you to pump up your summer at the 22nd annual Pump Up the Volume Blood Drive to be held June 26-28 at Sunrise Presbyterian Church. The annual summer event helps the Red Cross collect blood to avoid a summer blood shortage and ensure patients continue to receive the treatments they need.

Only about 3 percent of the U.S. population gives blood, which means the Red Cross relies heavily on repeat donors to maintain a sufficient blood supply. New blood donors are especially needed during the summer months because many schools where blood drives are held – and where new donors give – are not in session, and current donors often delay giving due to summer vacations.

Rocking M listeners are challenged to donate during the three-day drive and vote for their favorite participating radio station. The winning station will receive a traveling trophy and, of course, bragging rights in this friendly competition.

“We love participating in this event every year,” said Ken Jennison, Rocking M Radio promotions director. “The Salina stations love having the friendly competition while also helping pump up our community’s blood supply at the same time. It wouldn’t be possible without the support of this wonderful community.”

Pump Up the Volume blood drive

June 26 and 27 from noon to 7p.m.

June 28 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Sunrise Presbyterian Church, 825 E. Beloit Ave.

To donate at the 22nd annual Pump Up the Volume Blood Drive, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) and use the sponsor code Salina.

How to donate blood

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 in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), 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.

Blood donors can now save time at their next donation by using RapidPass to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, prior to arriving at the blood drive. To get started and learn more, visit redcrossblood.org/RapidPass and follow the instructions on the site.

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 cruzrojaamericana.org or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.

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