Pocono Raceway Partners with the American Red Cross for Special Blood Drive

September 21, 2011 (Ashley, PA) – Disasters happen every day from fires to accidents to acts of nature, and the Red Cross is there providing food, shelter, and blood products to individuals in need.  The flooding that ravaged our area on September 8^th, left many homeless and forced the cancelation of more than 29 blood drives.  The disruption this caused in the lives of so many will be felt for months to come, and the Red Cross will be there every step of the way.

We are asking for the help of all eligible donors now to recover the over 1170 units of blood that have gone uncollected so far due to the flood.  With many more blood drives being canceled in the coming weeks due to damage, the implications that this may have on our blood supply is unforeseeable.  The needs of patients in area hospitals do not diminish when a disaster occurs, and the only way they can receive relief is from generous blood donors.

Pocono Raceway and the American Red Cross Northeastern Pennsylvania Region have partnered for a special blood drive to help blood recovery efforts.  Please join us on September 28^th from 1 to 7pm at Pocono Raceway in Long Pond to help ensure an adequate blood supply for patients in need. 

Each presenting donor will be entered for a chance to win several spectacular prizes courtesy of Pocono Raceway.  Among them are four terrace seats to the 2012 Pocono 400, and gas cards, as well as the opportunity to meet all of the NASCAR drivers on-stage during the opening ceremony.  Presenting donors can double their chances to win by making and keeping their appointments to donate. 

“Our region has been hit hard with undesirable weather this year for blood collections, and our low donor turnout has begun to make a noticeable impact on not only our local community but those around the nation as well,” stated Tony Ferlenda, CEO of the American Red Cross NEPA Region.  “The Pocono Raceway has long been valued supporters to the American Red Cross, and we cannot thank them enough for the hard work and generosity that they give our organization.” 

Eligible volunteer blood donors are asked to please call 1-800-RED CROSS or visit redcrossblood.org/nepa/poconoraceway to make an appointment.  Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental permission in PA), meet weight and height requirements (110 pounds or more, depending on their height) and are in generally good health may be eligible to give blood. Positive identification is required at the time of donation.


- Courtesy of Pocono Raceway