Fourth Year's the Charm for Red Cross Racing

(Bartlesville, OK, October, 2011)

NASCAR...it's the number one spectator sport in the United States with 75-million loyal fans, many of whom are dedicated American Red Cross blood donors.

That's why NASCAR and the American Red Cross are once again teaming up for Red Cross Racing, a donor rewards program designed to increase the number of blood donors and the number of times they give blood.

For the fourth year in a row, Greg Biffle, driver of the No. 16 3M Ford Fusion, is raising awareness about the ongoing need for blood donations; especially from type O donors like him. Thanks to another generous donation by 3M, Biffle will once again drive the No. 16 Ford Fusion with the full Red Cross paint scheme at the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series™ races in Michigan and Indianapolis this year.

"I'm proud to be associated within the NASCAR community as the American Red Cross driver and a blood donor. I give blood because it's easy to do and helps support the community," says Biffle.

Locally, donations can be made at the Bartlesville Community blood drive

Wednesday, October 12 from 1 pm - 6 pm

Tuesday, October 13 from 1 pm - 6 pm

Friday, October 14 from 9 am - 2 pm

Red Cross Office, 601 S. Jennings

Please call 1-800-RED-CROSS (733-2767) to schedule an appointment

The efforts of the previous two years of Red Cross Racing have resulted in just over 226,000 blood donations. Red Cross Racing members can get points for a variety of activities, including giving blood and/or platelets and recruiting other blood donors to join. Those points may be exchanged for prizes such as limited edition die cast cars, golf balls, computer bags and other exciting merchandise.

Donating Blood:

Log on to www.redcrossblood.org for more information or to schedule a blood donation appointment. All blood types are needed to ensure the Red Cross maintains an adequate blood supply. A blood donor card or driver's license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Donors must be in general good health, weigh at least 110 pounds and be at least 17 years old (16 with completed Parental Consent Form). New height and weight restrictions apply to donors younger than 19. Visit redcrossblood.org to learn more.

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies nearly half of the nation's blood; teaches lifesaving skills; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a charitable organization - not a government agency - and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit www.redcross.org or join our blog at http://blog.redcross.org.

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