American Red Cross Celebrates March Is Red Cross Month with One-Of-A-Kind Paint Scheme for Las Vegas Race

WASHINGTON, March 9, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- The No. 16 American Red Cross Ford sports a special March is Red Cross Month paint scheme as it looks to lap the competition at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway this Sunday, March 10. 

(Photo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130309/CG74209 )

March is Red Cross Month is an annual proclamation that began in 1943 with President Franklin D. Roosevelt and continues 70 years later. As a nationwide non-profit with a rich history spanning more than 130 years, the Red Cross depends on the generous contributions of time, blood and money from the American public to support its lifesaving services and programs.

Driver Greg Biffle and his No. 16 Red Cross Ford remind racing fans to support the Red Cross by donating the lifesaving gift of blood. The Red Cross provides about 40 percent of America's blood supply.

In addition to at-track action, Biffle also will visit young patients who have benefited from Red Cross blood donations at a local Las Vegas children's hospital.

"As a blood donor, I can save a life – meeting children who have benefitted really drives home the point," said Biffle. "The gift of a blood donation cannot be replaced by anything else in the world, and it means a world of difference to those in need."

The call-to-action of "give blood" comes as the Red Cross faces an ongoing, constant need for blood and platelet donors of all types. In the Las Vegas area alone, the Red Cross needs more than 900 units of blood each week to meet the local demand. Eligible whole blood donors can give blood once every 56 days at Red Cross blood drives and blood donation centers throughout the country.

The American Red Cross is celebrating the sixth year of its Red Cross Racing partnership with 3M and Roush Fenway Racing. Thanks to a generous donation from 3M and support by Greg Biffle, the No. 16 Ford features a Red Cross paint scheme during the March 10 race in Las Vegas, NV, and the April 27 race in Richmond, Va.

How to Donate Blood
All blood types are needed to ensure an adequate supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver's license, or two other forms of positive 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 generally in 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. Visit redcrossblood.org for more information.

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 join our blog at http://blog.redcross.org.

Contact: Amanda Mark
Telephone: (612) 360-2936
[email protected]

SOURCE American Red Cross