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Galaxy Blood Drive returns for a battle to help save lives Dec. 31
PORTLAND, Ore. (Dec, 21, 2016) — Jedi need lightsabers, but patients need lifesavers. It’s time for another intergalactic battle to help save lives at the seventh annual Galaxy Blood Drive Saturday, Dec. 31, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the American Red Cross Portland Blood Donation Center, 3131 N. Vancouver Ave.
“Heroes aren’t just in a galaxy far, far away – they’re in our communities,” said Neil Tosuntikool, Donor Recruitment director of the Red Cross Pacific Northwest Blood Services Region. “It’s a fun and unique way to emphasize the importance of giving blood. We encourage donors to get one last good deed in for the year by helping support the blood supply.”
Those coming to donate will receive a custom Galaxy blood drive T-shirt, while supplies last. In addition, there will be an opportunity to mingle and take photos with members of various Star Wars™ costuming organizations – including Cloud City Garrison and Kashyyyk Base.
This blood drive comes at an important time. Now and throughout the holiday season, the Red Cross has a critical need for blood and platelet donations to help ensure patient needs continue to be met.
To date, nearly 850 pints of blood have been collected through the annual Galaxy Blood Drive.
Donors of all blood types are needed in the upcoming weeks to help ensure a sufficient supply for hospital patients. To schedule an appointment, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
How to donate blood
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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To view photos from the Galaxy blood drive, visit our Flickr page.