Beech Tree News Network

Red Cross celebrates all those who support its mission-The American Red Cross empowers ordinary people to do extraordinary things. March is Red Cross Month, a great time to celebrate and recognize everyday heroes in the community – those who help their neighbors by giving blood, learning lifesaving skills, volunteering or making a financial contribution to the Red Cross.

Red Cross Month is observed in dedication of people like Nathan Baker who support the mission of the Red Cross. Nathan is a Red Cross blood donor who has given more than 500 units of life saving blood products.

Nathan says a personal ask sparked his passion to give. “An Apheresis nurse named Dot asked me to donate platelets one day in 1977,” said Nathan.  “I’ve been giving ever since.”

Nathan hopes his dedication inspires future generations to give the gift of life. “This accomplishment makes me want to get more people to give as I get older. I hope they will start giving at a younger age because I hope one day 500 donations will be the norm, instead of the exception.”

Nathan proves that it doesn’t take a cape, super powers or a secret identity to be a hero. Everyday heroes enable the Red Cross to respond to disasters, both large and small, here and around the world; help members of the military; provide lifesaving blood products to patients in need and teach lifesaving skills.

The Red Cross invites community members to discover their inner hero this month. To make an appointment to donate blood or for more information about other ways to get involved with the Red Cross, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

As a special bonus during the month of March, all presenting donors will automatically be entered to win a $1,500 gift card as part of our “Give and Go!” program.

Upcoming blood donation opportunities:

March 31, 2014 12:30-5:30pm Morgantown Mission, 109 South Main Street, Morgantown, KY

In addition, the Bowling Green Blood Donor Site in the Holiday Inn University Plaza at 1021 Wilkinson Trace is open:

·         Friday - 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

·         2nd Saturday of month – 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.

 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 consent 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 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 visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.