Sonic Drive-In Joins American Red Cross in Support of Cancer Patients
(Omaha NE, July 26, 2004) – During the summer months, many people are busy traveling and enjoying activities with their families. However, the need for platelets and plasma never takes a vacation. To encourage donors to donate this summer, Sonic Drive-In is offering free ice cream and medium drink coupons to American Red Cross donors who keep their appointment to donate platelets and plasma through Labor Day. Platelet and plasma donors can pick up their coupon and register to win two round trip tickets from Midwest Airlines at their next donation.
“Almost everyone who can give blood can also donate platelets or plasma, but Type A and AB donors are especially needed because they are the universal platelet and plasma donors,” said Rochelle Redden, Recruitment Representative for the American Red Cross. Platelets from type A and AB donors can be transfused to 100% of patients, and plasma from AB donors can be transfused to anyone needing a plasma transfusion, regardless of their blood type.
Platelets and plasma are essential to cancer patients, who have to rely on transfusions following chemotherapy or radiation. Platelets have only a five-day lifespan after donation, so having a fresh and adequate supply on hand requires daily volunteer donors. “When the Red Cross asked for something to help encourage people to donate, we jumped right on board. Sonic tries to help out wherever it can, and it’s good to know that we are helping to save lives,” said James Mann, Director of Marketing (Omaha/Lincoln).
To find out more, or to make an appointment to donate platelets or plasma, call the Red Cross at 271-2589 or 341-2723, ext 2140.
The Midwest Region Blood Services of the American Red Cross supplies blood to about eighty hospitals in Nebraska, Iowa, Colorado, and Kansas, and across the nation. Last year alone, almost 20,000 platelet units and over 17,000 plasma units were provided to hospitals for patient transfusions. At least three new platelet or plasma donors are needed daily in order to continue to meet the needs of patients. All current eligible and new donors are encouraged to make a commitment to donate regularly. To make an appointment to donate, call the American Red Cross at 402-271-2589.
Sonic Drive-In considers community involvement as a way to be a good neighbor, and have a positive impact on the community. Our efforts include awards to encourage young children to read, incentives to keep older kids in school, and free fundraising cards to help schools raise much needed funds. Sonic has been active in helping their communities and plans on continuing this tradition in the future.
Facts about Platelets and Plasma:
· Platelets are the body’s defense against excessive bleeding. Healthy people have billions of platelets moving through their body, programmed to gather at a wound where they stick together to form a clot. Platelets can be donated every 14 days, up to 24 times a year.
· Plasma is the fluid portion of your blood, composed of vital proteins, clotting factors, and water. Plasma can be donated every 28 days, up to 13 times a year. Type AB is the universal plasma donor.
· Platelets and plasma are essential to cancer patients, who have to rely on donated platelets to replace theirs, which have been destroyed during chemotherapy.
· Platelets have only a five-day lifespan after donation, so having a fresh and adequate supply on hand requires daily volunteer donors.
· Most people who donate blood can donate platelets or plasma. Donors must be at least 17 years old, weigh a minimum of 110 pounds, and be in good health.
· Platelets and plasma can be donated at one of two American Red Cross donation sites in Omaha, located at 132nd and West Dodge Road or 3838 Dewey Avenue.
uly 26,2004
Sonic Drive-In Joins American Red Cross in Support of Cancer Patients
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