Senator Carper to Donate Blood at Blood Bank of Delmarva

Newark, DE –U.S. Senator Tom Carper, a long-time blood donor, will be giving blood at the Blood Bank’s Christiana Donor Center on Monday, November 22, 2004 at 10:00 am. Senator Carper will donate blood as a way to encourage others to remember the importance of blood donation during the holiday season and to give Ohio State University (OSU) a point. The Big Ten Blood Drive takes place in Delaware in November, where Penn State, Ohio State, and University of Michigan local alumni donate blood to see who has the most school spirit. As an alumni member of OSU, the Senator’s blood donation will give OSU a point and could help save the lives of three different people this holiday season. “It is important for the community to be reminded of the importance of blood donation,” said Senator Carper. “It only takes one hour to donate blood, and this hour could save a life.” Senator Carper has been a Blood Bank member for over 20 years. Over the past years, the Senator has helped the Blood Bank of Delmarva by appearing in public service announcements that aired on television and radio stations across Delaware and the Delmarva Peninsula. The Blood Bank of Delmarva needs 300 donors every day to meet the demands of local hospitals. Emergencies happen every day, and blood donors help ensure that Delaware is prepared to deal with such emergencies. Accident victims, children with leukemia, and surgery and cancer patients depend on blood donors to contribute. Last year, more than 20,000 patients were helped with the 75,000 donations given by volunteer donors. Blood donation only takes about an hour; the donation itself is between five and seven minutes. To give blood, you must be 17 or older, weigh at least 110 pounds, and be in general good health. To schedule an appointment, please call 1-888-8-BLOOD-8. Monday, November 22, 2004 WHO: Senator Tom Carper WHAT: Donating blood WHERE: Christiana Donor Center 100 Hygeia Drive, Newark WHEN: Monday, November 22, 2004 10:00 am- 11:00 am