REACH THE CHECKERED FLAG
Seventh Annual Pocono Raceway/American Red Cross Blood Drive Series
July 2, 2012 (Ashley, PA) – Pocono Raceway and the American Red Cross Northeastern Pennsylvania Region have partnered once again for their seventh annual blood drive series. For two days in July, the coalition will help to ensure a sufficient blood supply for patients in need this summer. Presenting donors will be offered a chance at some spectacular prizes.
On July 11th and 12th, a series of American Red Cross blood drives will be held in partnership with Pocono Raceway. The main drive will be held at Pocono Raceway in Long Pond, PA on the 12th from 1pm to 7pm, with satellite drives occurring on both the 11th and 12th for people who cannot be at the track location.
Each presenting donor will receive a ticket to Pocono Raceway’s Saturday, August 4th race events including NASCAR Sprint Cup Series qualifying, NASCAR Camping World Truck Series qualifying, the Pennsylvania 125 (ARCA race), and the Pocono Mountains 125 (NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race). Presenting donors will also be entered for a chance to win several prizes courtesy of Pocono Raceway. Among them are four terrace seats to the 2012 Pocono 400, and gas cards, as well as the opportunity to meet all of the NASCAR drivers on-stage during the opening ceremony.
“We are extremely fortunate to work with such a charitable organization,” stated Paul Sullivan, CEO of the American Red Cross NEPA Region. “The Pocono Raceway has long been valued supporters to the American Red Cross, and we cannot thank them enough for the hard work and generosity that they give our organization to arrange this fabulous event every year.”
Eligible volunteer blood donors are asked to please call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767), or visit redcrossblood.org/nepa/poconoraceway to make an appointment; for platelet donation appointments, please call 1-800-432-8045 x2232. Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental permission in PA), meet weight and height requirements (110 pounds or more, depending on their height) and are in generally good health may be eligible to give blood. Positive identification is required at the time of donation.
Every two seconds, someone in the United States needs blood. The Red Cross Blood Services Northeastern Pennsylvania Region provides lifesaving blood to 28 hospitals and needs 351 people to give blood and platelets each weekday to meet hospital demand. Accident victims as well as patients with cancer, sickle cell disease, blood disorders and other illnesses receive lifesaving transfusions every day. There is no substitute for blood and volunteer donors are the only source.
About the American Red Cross:
Governed by volunteers and supported by giving individuals and communities, the American Red Cross has been the single largest supplier of blood products to hospitals throughout the United States for more than 50 years. While local hospital needs are always met first, the Red Cross also helps ensure that no patient goes without blood no matter where or when they need it. The American Red Cross Blood Services – Northeast Division must distribute approximately 3,000 units of blood each day just to meet the basic needs of area patients. 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.
