American Red Cross Pays Tribute to Small-Town Blood Drives in This Weekend's Quaker State 400

WASHINGTON, June 28, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Greg Biffle, driver of the No. 16 Red Cross Ford Fusion, is supporting the American Red Cross in its emergency call for blood and platelet donors.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120628/CG32654-INFO)

Biffle is encouraging fans in small towns across the country to raise awareness about the need for lifesaving blood donations this summer. Small towns are big supporters of the blood supply, with almost 38 percent of Red Cross blood drives being held in small towns across the United States.

In honor of the many big hearts in these small towns, the No. 16 Red Cross Ford Fusion, driven by Biffle, will sport the #MyTownGives paint scheme during this weekend's Quaker State 400.  The car will recognize the millions of whole blood donations made by small town America. It will feature a nighttime town landscape with the hashtag #MyTownGives and a reminder to "give blood" on the quarter panel.

Biffle, a member of the Red Cross National Celebrity Cabinet, is a regular blood donor.

"I give blood because I'm not a firefighter or an EMT, but I can help save a life – one hour of my time may save a life," said Biffle.  "I encourage everyone who is able to give blood to visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED-CROSS and find a blood donation location."

The call-to-action of "give blood" comes as the Red Cross faces an emergency need for blood and platelet donors of all types, particularly types O positive, O negative, A negative and B negative. 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 fifth year of its Red Cross Racing partnership with 3M and Roush Fenway Racing. A generous donation from 3M and support by Greg Biffle has made this special #MyTownGives paint scheme possible.

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 approximately 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) 232-7743
[email protected]

SOURCE American Red Cross