Be A ‘reel Hero’ & Donate Blood Thursday in Marysville

OMAHA, Neb. – This summer, you don’t need to wear a cape or special suit to be a hero. In about an hour, you can be a lifesaver by giving blood at an American Red Cross “Reel Heroes” blood drive in your community and have the opportunity to watch a movie with your favorite action hero.

This Thursday, you can experience the thrill of giving to others and catch the latest thriller or blockbuster at the Astro 3 Theater in Marysville. On July 22, all presenting blood donors at the will receive a movie pass to the theatre while supplies last.

Additionally, thanks to a generous donation by the Ford Motor Company, the Red Cross is giving away a 2011 Ford Fiesta to one lucky winner. From July 1, 2010 through Nov. 1, 2010, all presenting donors can register online at redcrossracing.com for a chance to win. It’s the Red Cross’ way of saying thank you to committed blood and platelet donors.

REEL HEROES BLOOD DONATION OPPORTUNITIES

July 22 from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
American Legion
310 N. 9th St., Marysville

To make an appointment, call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE or visit redcrossblood.org

Sixteen-year-old donors can find parental consent forms at http://www.redcrossblood.org/students/sixteen.

For a list of other area “Reel Heroes” blood drives, visit http://www.redcrossblood.org/news/midwest/reel-hero.

The need for blood is constant, even during the summer months, but donations often slow when schools dismiss for the summer and many regular blood donors are vacationing or otherwise busy with summer activities. Unfortunately, patients in the hospital don’t get a “summer break” from needing blood.

You don’t need superpowers to be a hero to someone else this summer. Answer the call of patients in need by donating blood through the American Red Cross.

HOW TO DONATE BLOOD

Simply call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE (1-800-448-3543) or visit givebloodgivelife.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 or younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

ABOUT THE AMERICAN RED CROSS

Governed by volunteers and supported by giving individuals and communities, the American Red Cross is the single largest supplier of blood products to hospitals throughout the United States. While local hospital needs are always met first, the Red Cross also helps ensure no patient goes without blood no matter where or when they need it. In addition to providing nearly half of the nation’s blood supply, the Red Cross provides relief to victims of disaster, trains millions in lifesaving skills, serves as a communication link between U.S. military members and their families, and assists victims of international disasters or conflicts.