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News Release
Media contact: Brian Gomez, 608-298-6071, @RedCrossBloodBH
redcrossblood.org
Join a lifesaving tradition by giving blood Dec. 24 in
Madison
American Red Cross holding 28th annual Madison Holiday Blood Drive
MADISON, Wis. (Dec. 10, 2013) — Since 1986, more than 19,000 pints of blood have
been donated at the Madison Holiday Blood Drive to support patients in Wisconsin and across
the country. This holiday season, the American Red Cross is asking Dane County residents to
give something that means something – to give hope to patients in need by donating blood at
the 28th annual event, sponsored by the Wisconsin State Journal and WKOW Channel 27.
Madison Holiday Blood Drive
Dec. 24 from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Alliant Energy Center Exhibition Hall: 1881 Expo Mall E in Madison, Wis.
Sponsored by the Wisconsin State Journal and WKOW Channel 27
The Madison Holiday Blood Drive is the largest day-long drive within the American Red Cross
Badger-Hawkeye Blood Services Region. All presenting donors at the Alliant Energy Center will
receive a Red Cross T-shirt, while supplies last, and raffle prizes will be donated by local
businesses. Free parking and childcare also will be available. Non-perishable food items and
cash will be accepted to donate to Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin.
A blood donation is a gift that doesn’t cost a thing but can provide hope to hospital patients in
need. Every day, the Red Cross must collect about 15,000 pints of blood to meet the needs of
patients at 2,700 hospitals and transfusion centers nationwide, including 34 in the BadgerHawkeye Region. The need for blood remains constant during the holidays, however, busier
schedules, travel and other seasonal activities often leave little time to donate. All blood types
are needed to ensure an adequate blood supply heading into 2014, and those with types O
negative, A negative, B negative and AB positive and negative are especially encouraged to give.
“Only when volunteer donors make time to help save a life can we be sure that blood is available
for those in need,” said Greg Novinska, the Chief Executive Officer of the Badger-Hawkeye
Region. “Giving blood to help others is a wonderful way to give something meaningful. Please
add making a blood donation to your holiday to-do list.”
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.