RTA news

Sept. 9, 2009

RTA hosts Red Cross blood drive on Sept. 10

CLEVELAND � The American Red Cross and the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (RTA) will sponsor a blood drive from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 10, at the RTA Main Office Building, 1240 West Sixth Street.

The site is served by all RTA trolleys. Free trolley fares are underwritten by Dollar Bank.

Walk-ins are welcome. To make an appointment, visit www.givelife.org, and enter the sponsor code �rta�. You can also call 440-944-7076.

Donors will receive:

� A Red Cross �Someone Needs Blood� t-shirt.

� A coupon for a free pint of ice cream, courtesy of Jack Dean�s Ice Cream.

The need is great

All donors at this drive will touch the lives of at least 3 area patients and their families, the Red Cross says.

�There is an increasing demand of northern Ohio hospitals for blood transfusion products,� says David H. Plate, Chief Executive Officer of the American Red Cross.

�Within the past few days, there were times when the Red Cross blood inventory was measured in terms of hours, rather than the 3-day supply which assures the needs of local patients will be met. In fact, there was not a single unit of B Negative blood on our shelves. This is alarming when 57 local hospitals rely on the Red Cross and its donors to preserve patient access to a life-saving transfusion.�

�With many on vacation and schools in recess, summer is a critical time to maintain an adequate inventory,� Plate says. �I urge you to make a donation that assures local hospitals and their patients an ample blood supply is available.�

You can donate if you

Are at least 17 years old.
Meet heights and weight requirements (at least 110 pounds based on height).
Are in general good health.
Bring a Red Cross donor card or positive ID.

For more information, visit the Northern Ohio Blood Services Region at www.redcrossdonor.org.

FOR MEDIA INQUIRIES ONLY:

Jerry Masek, RTA, 216-566-5211