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American Red Cross honors Blood Collectors Week

September 2009

The American Red Cross is rolling out the red carpet this September to honor the front-line staff who assist blood donors in rolling up their sleeves.

From September 13 to 19, the Red Cross will join blood centers across the country in recognizing the Fifth Annual Blood Collectors Week. This annual week acknowledges the critical role blood collectors play in helping to ensure blood is available to hospital patients.

“We couldn’t do what we do without our front-line employees out there every day, collecting blood,” said Rodney Wilson, communications manager for the Central Ohio Blood Services Region of the American Red Cross. “Our collections staff are truly the heart of the American Red Cross.”

Blood collection professionals serve an important role in educating blood donors, and helping to ensure a comfortable blood donation experience. The Central Ohio Region of the American Red Cross employs nearly 200 collections staff who work in blood donation centers or on blood drives in 27 counties.

“We’re proud of our staff and the dedication they show to helping to save lives through the American Red Cross,” said Wilson. “This is our chance to say thank you to all of them for choosing a lifesaving profession and for the commitment they’ve made to blood donors, hospital patients and the community.”

Eligible blood donors are encouraged to show their support for blood collections professionals by making and keeping an appointment to give blood during Blood Collectors Week. For details on the Fifth Annual Blood Collectors Week, visit bloodcollectors.org.

Donors this September can enter to win cool prizes thanks to the Columbus Blue Jackets and OhioHealth.  Everyone who comes to give has a chance to win a weekly prize pack that includes hockey game tickets, autographed team items, and a one hour massage from OhioHealth.  Other prizes will be awarded in a drawing at the end of the month which include an LCD TV and a ride on the Zamboni ice machine at a Blue Jackets game.

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Media contacts

Central Ohio
Blood Services

(614) 253-2740
1-800-338-8086

Rodney J. Wilson
Communications Manager
extension 2347
e-mail

Heather Reichle
Communications Specialist
extension 2275
e-mail

Other Red Cross
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