Red Cross "100 Days of Summer; 100 Days of Hope" Campaign Urges Help for People in Need

WASHINGTON, May 23, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The American Red Cross today kicked off a 100-day campaign urging everyone to help people facing emergency situations this summer by giving blood, making a financial gift or taking a lifesaving class.

"100 Days of Summer. 100 Days of Hope." will continue through September 1 to remind people that this summer is a time when they can give hope to those who are suffering – hospital patients who need blood, families and individuals impacted by disaster or someone who is injured and needs help immediately.

PLEASE GIVE BLOOD The new campaign seeks to increase blood donations during the summer months when donations typically drop. To highlight the need for blood around the Memorial Day weekend, all blood and platelet donors who come in to give from May 24 through May 26 will receive a commemorative Red Cross cooling towel while supplies last. People can call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org for more information or to make a donation appointment.

"This summer, there are 100 days for blood and platelet donors to roll up a sleeve and help a patient in need," said Dr. Richard Benjamin, chief medical officer for the Red Cross. "It's difficult to collect enough blood for patients during the summer because so many people are busy with seasonal activities and schools are out of session. But the need for blood is constant and patients are still relying on lifesaving blood products."

All blood types are needed. 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 general 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.

Blood donors are encouraged to participate by making and keeping appointments to give and by asking family and friends to join them. Visit the Red Cross at redcrossblood.org, on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and other social networks; and use the #chooseyourday hashtag throughout the summer to read and share inspiring stories of hope.

RED CROSS READY Summer presents unique challenges and the Red Cross may be called on to respond to hurricanes, floods, wildfires and smaller emergencies such as home fires. Every eight minutes or about 200 times every day, the Red Cross responds to a disaster somewhere in this country. By making a financial donation people can make a difference and provide critical support to those in need.

TAKE A CLASS People can also take a class and be better prepared to help save lives this summer and throughout the year. Classes are available to give everyone the information, skills and confidence to act in an emergency at home, in school and in the workplace. The Red Cross also has a series of apps for mobile devices which people can download and have information at their fingertips for emergencies like tornadoes, hurricanes and floods.

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.

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SOURCE American Red Cross