March Blood Donors Offered a Chance to Win Two Annual Passes to Disneyland

In March, American Red Cross Blood Services, Southern California Region, is celebrating Red Cross Month and offering blood donors a chance to be part of the happiest celebration on earth.

Southern Californians are encouraged to donate blood in March, discover how they have the power to help save lives, and enter a drawing for a chance to win two annual passes to Disneyland Park.

Approximately 60 percent of the American population is eligible to donate blood; however, in Southern California, less than 3 percent donate on a yearly basis, resulting in chronically low blood supply levels.

In the past few weeks, Red Cross inventory levels have dipped as low as a one-third-day supply of Type O-negative blood and a one-fourth-day supply of Type O-positive blood. These levels are far below the five-day supply generally considered adequate. Increased donor response is needed to maintain a safe and adequate blood supply.

To encourage people to give blood in the coming weeks, everyone who signs up to donate blood or platelets at a Southern California Red Cross blood drive in Los Angeles, Orange, San Diego, and Ventura counties will be invited to fill out an entry form for a chance to win two deluxe annual passports to Disneyland.

Entries will be accepted at all Red Cross blood drive locations between March 1 and March 31 and will be limited to these counties. The winner will be announced by April 15, 2007. The prize is nontransferable and not redeemable for cash, and American Red Cross employees are not eligible.

The American Red Cross urgently appeals to Southern California residents to donate blood.

Any healthy person age 17 or older and weighing at least 110 pounds may be eligible to donate blood.

All eligible donors are asked to schedule an appointment to donate blood by calling 1.800.GIVE.LIFE (1.800.448.3543) or by visiting www.GiveLife.org. To organize a blood drive, call 1.800.491.2113. For Spanish, please call 1.866-POR.VIDA (1.866.767.8432) or visit www.cruzrojaamericana.org.