May 8th is World Red Cross Day and the American Red Cross encourages eligible individuals to celebrate by donating lifesaving blood in their communities. The need is constant. Blood products are being distributed to hospitals as quickly as they are coming in and all blood types are currently needed to help maintain a sufficient blood supply.

For 130 years, the American Red Cross has been dedicated to helping people in need, every day, in communities large and small across the United States. The Red Cross is the only blood collection agency that offers health and safety training, serves as the vital emergency communication link between military personnel and their families at home, teaches disaster preparedness, and responds to disasters of all types and sizes. Join the Red Cross family and make an appointment to donate blood today.

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 permission 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 more than 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 join our blog at http://blog.redcross.org.

Blood donation opportunities:

CARROLL COUNTY
5/4/2012, 3:00 pm- 8:00 pm, West Carroll High School, 500 Cragmoor Drive, Savanna

CLINTON COUNTY
5/9/2012, 11:00 am- 2:00 pm, Ashford University Calling Center, 1310 19th Avenue North,
Clinton

The need is constant. The gratification is instant. Give blood.™

HENRY COUNTY
5/3/2012, 12:00 pm- 6:00 pm, First United Methodist Church S Campus Bldg, 224 N. State,
Geneseo

5/9/2012, 2:00 pm- 6:00 pm, First Christian Church, 105 Dwight St., Kewanee

5/10/2012, 2:00 pm- 6:00 pm, St John's Vianney Church, 313 S West Street, Cambridge

5/15/2012, 1:00 pm- 6:00 pm, First United Methodist Church, 214 N. W. Second Ave, Galva

MERCER COUNTY
5/12/2012, 1:30 pm- 7:30 pm, Sherrard Public Library District, 205 5th Ave., Sherrard

ROCK ISLAND COUNTY
5/8/2012, 1:00 pm- 5:00 pm, DHL Global Forwarding, 3100 69th Ave #2, Moline

SCOTT COUNTY
5/13/2012, 2:00 pm- 6:00 pm, Family Video, 2402 E. 53rd St., Davenport

WHITESIDE COUNTY
5/1/2012, 8:00 am-11:00 am, Old Fulton Fire Station, 912 4th Street, Fulton

5/2/2012, 2:00 pm- 6:00 pm, Rock Falls Blood Donation Center, 112 W. Second St., Rock
FallsAll presenting donors will be entered into a raffle to win a $25 Shell Gas card!

5/2/2012, 11:00 am- 4:00 pm, Erie High School, 435 6th Ave, Erie

5/5/2012, 8:00 am-12:00 pm, Dillon Elementary School, 1901 8th Ave, Rock Falls

5/7/2012, 9:00 am- 2:00 pm, Prophetstown High School, 310 Riverside, Prophetstown

5/8/2012, 1:00 pm- 5:15 pm, Old Fulton Fire Station, 912 4th Street, Fulton

5/9/2012, 10:00 am- 2:00 pm, Rock Falls Blood Donation Center, 112 W. Second St., Rock
FallsAll presenting donors will be entered into a raffle to win a $25 Shell Gas card!

5/10/2012, 3:00 pm- 8:00 pm, Tampico United Methodist Church, 202 Lincoln Ave, Tampico

5/15/2012, 1:00 pm- 5:15 pm, Old Fulton Fire Station, 912 4th Street, Fulton

5/15/2012, 12:00 pm- 6:00 pm, United Methodist Church, 200 West Lincolnway, Morrison

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