Donors invited to meet the need for blood at “Twilight” blood drive

Press release from the American Red Cross:

Donors invited to meet the need for blood at “Twilight” blood drive

Today’s vampire-crazed can help meet the constant need for blood by participating in a special “Twilight” fans blood drive through Regal Cinemas and the American Red Cross.

The blood drive, Red Cross officials say, provides “Twilight” fans a chance to celebrate the release of the much anticipated sequel “New Moon,” bring some fun to the blood donation process, and ultimately help hospital patients who depend on blood from volunteer donors.

“We’re hoping our “Twilight” blood drive encourages fans to roll up their sleeves and give blood donation a try,” said Shelby Norris, Communications Specialist for the Indiana-Ohio Blood Services Region of the American Red Cross. “The Red Cross is always looking at ways to engage socially-conscious youth in becoming blood donors.”

The first 25 donors coming to give at the special drive will receive a free movie pass and either a “Twilight” or a “New Moon” poster. A screening of “New Moon” will follow the drive at midnight.

The “Twilight” blood drive will be held on Thursday, Nov. 19, from 6:30 p.m. until 9:30 p.m. at Regal Cinemas – Coldwater Crossing Theatre, located at 211 W. Washington Center Road in Fort Wayne. Visit givelife.org to schedule your blood donation appointment.

About 17 percent of blood collected through the American Red Cross comes from eligible donors of college and high school age. While blood donations by older individuals are decreasing, a recent study shows donations by teenagers are increasing through the American Red Cross. Although 38 percent of the U.S. population is eligible to donate blood, a very small percent actually do.

How to Donate Blood
To schedule an appointment to donate please call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE (1-800-448-3543) or visit IndianaOhioRedCross.org for more information. Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental permission in some states), meet weight and height requirements (110 pounds or more, depending on their height) and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. Please bring your Red Cross blood donor card or other form of positive ID when you come to donate.

About the American Red Cross
The Indiana-Ohio Blood Services Region serves northern and central Indiana and northwestern Ohio, and needs to collect about 500 units of blood a day to meet patient need in more than 60 hospitals. In addition to providing blood to our community, the American Red Cross also 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.