NASCAR Fans Boost Blood Donations

Main Category: Transplants / Organ Donations
Also Included In: Public Health
Article Date: 26 May 2009 - 2:00 PDT

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For the second year in a row, the American Red Cross is encouraging loyal NASCAR fans to donate blood through the Red Cross by joining Red Cross Racing.

Red Cross Racing is a program designed to increase the number of blood donors and the number of times they donate. Participants of this program can get points for a variety of activities including giving blood and/or platelets, and recruiting other blood donors.

"We had nearly 22,500 blood donations through this program in 2008, and hope even more NASCAR fans participate in this lifesaving effort during 2009," said Gail McGovern, American Red Cross President and CEO. "We are grateful to 3M, Roush Fenway Racing and Greg Biffle for their support of Red Cross Racing and look forward to an exciting season ahead."

NASCAR driver Greg Biffle has signed on again as a Red Cross spokesperson this racing season to raise awareness about the ongoing need for blood donations. Biffle, a Red Cross blood donor and member of its National Celebrity Cabinet, will help get the word out to the 75 million passionate NASCAR fans across the country about the importance of blood donation.

"I'm proud to be an American Red Cross blood donor," said Biffle, driver of the No. 16 3M Ford Fusion. "I give blood because it's easy to do and helps support the community. I hope NASCAR fans across the country will join me this racing season by giving lifesaving blood as often as they can."

Thanks to a generous donation from 3M, Biffle will wear the Red Cross fire suit and drive the #16 Ford Fusion with the full Red Cross paint scheme at the Sprint Cup Series races in Charlotte on Memorial Day weekend and in Atlanta on Labor Day weekend.

This year, the program offers participants new and exciting rewards for blood donation activities. Registrants have the chance to get points and exchange them for NASCAR-themed prizes, such as limited edition die-cast cars. Fans can join the program by visiting redcrossracing.com, and can begin accruing points after registering.

About 3M

A recognized leader in research and development, 3M produces thousands of innovative products for dozens of diverse markets. 3M's core strength is applying its more than 40 distinct technology platforms - often in combination - to a wide array of customer needs. With $24 billion in sales, 3M employs 75,000 people worldwide and has operations in more than 60 countries. For more information, visit http://www.3M.com.

About Roush Fenway Racing

Roush Fenway Racing is NASCAR's largest team operating 13 motorsports teams. Five in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series with drivers Matt Kenseth, Jamie McMurray, Greg Biffle, Carl Edwards and David Ragan; four in the Nationwide Series with Kenseth, Biffle, Edwards, McMurray, Ragan, Erik Darnell and Colin Braun; and three in the Craftsman Truck Series with Darnell, Braun, Kvapil, John Wes Townley and Bobby East; and one in the ARCA RE/MAX Series with Ricky Stenhouse Jr.

Source
American Red Cross