Press Release - Wednesday, July 26, 2006
Press Releases
No Data
Lt. Governor Pat Quinn joined the American Red Cross and encouraged citizens to donate blood this summer.
(PEORIA) - On Wednesday, Lt. Governor Pat Quinn joined the American Red Cross and encouraged citizens to donate blood this summer. Summer road travel and increased outdoor activity lead to more accidents which raises the need for blood donations.
Quinn was joined by Marcus and Nicole Provost who discussed how blood transfusions saved the life of their son, 13-month-old Marcus II.
Quinn was also joined by Jack Prause, CEO of American Red Cross Blood Services.
Blood donors are also needed because as the population ages and advances in medicine increase, so does the need for blood transfusions. In addition, because the baby boomer generation is aging, a new generation of donors who will give on a regular basis is needed. Although 60 percent of the U.S. population is eligible to donate, only 5 percent gives on a yearly basis.
More than 38,000 blood donations are required every day in the United States. Currently, there is a blood inventory shortage in Illinois. While a 5 to 7 day blood supply is considered adequate, local hospitals in southern Illinois are operating with as little as one-day supplies.
"Now is the time of year to have fun and enjoy the days of summer," Quinn said. "Unfortunately, during these days we also see a rise in serious accidents which lead to a greater demand for blood transfusions. I encourage everyone who is able to donate blood this summer. We can save lives."
One pint of donated blood can save the lives of three people. To donate, a person must be 16 years old and weigh at least 110 pounds. The process is relatively painless and can take as little as an hour to complete. For more information visit www.GiveLife.org.
Press Releases
No Data