What
The American Red Cross is partnering with Burgos Tax Service, Ibero-American Action League, Puerto Rican Youth Development and Latino Faith Community members to hold a blood drive. The drive is in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15-October 15.) All eligible members of the Hispanic community are strongly encouraged to attend.
When
Saturday, October 3, 2009 - 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where
St. Michaels Church, 124 Evergreen Street
Background
This is the First Annual Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration Blood Drive that the Red Cross and community partners are holding. Through this effort, the Red Cross and partners hope to increase the number of blood donors and volunteers from the Latino community.
• The percentage of donors with Type O blood is higher in communities with large populations of African Americans and Latinos.
• Out of every 100 units of blood collected by the Red Cross in Monroe County, just two come from the Latino community.
• Each blood donation can help save the lives of up to three people.
• Someone in the U.S. needs blood every two seconds.
Interview & Photo Opportunities
Media will have an opportunity to interview:
o Alfred Burgos, President, Burgos Income Tax, Inc.
o Pastor Nicolas Gonzalez, President, La Confraternidad de los Pastores Hispanos de Rochester
o Pastor Jose Rodriguez, Bible Baptist Temple
o Maribel Torres, Supervisor, Promotores de Salud
o Alicia Ostolaza, Promotores de Salud
o Debra Miller, Recruitment Manager, Donor Services, American Red Cross New York-Penn Blood Region
o Shirley Stephens Thompson, Assistant Director, Volunteer Development, Youth and Community Outreach, American Red Cross, Greater Rochester Chapter
Contact Shirley Stephens Thompson, (585) 703-3658
All current eligible and new donors are strongly urged to schedule and keep appointments to donate blood today by calling 1-800-GIVE LIFE (1-800-448-3543) or visiting www.DonateBloodNow.org. Individuals who are at least 17 years of age (16 with parental permission in New York and Pennsylvania), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements. Identification is required at the time of donation.