American Red Cross Urges Public to Re-Build Blood Supply with Immediate
Response

Baltimore, MD - February 13, 2008: Yesterday and today's winter weather
cancelled several blood drives and left donor chairs empty at many other
American Red Cross donation sites. Following the low donation rates through
the winter, this sudden drop in appointments leaves the blood supply at an
even greater risk for shortage. In response, the Greater Chesapeake and
Potomac Region of the American Red Cross is urging all eligible whole blood
donors to call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE to schedule a donation appointment right
away. Platelet donors can call 1-800-272-2123 to schedule an appointment.

"School closures and liberal leave polices at many businesses forced us to
cancel several blood drives and other drives have been poorly attended due
to the weather," said Gary J. Ouellette, C.E.O. of the GC&P Region. "When
donation rates drop, the community blood supply can diminish quickly. When
the weather clears we will need to make up for that loss. We need to
collect 1000 units of blood on a daily basis to meet the needs of local
patients. That is why we need all eligible donors to call 1-800 GIVE LIFE
right away to schedule an appointment."

Despite many medical advances, there is no substitute for human blood, and
volunteer blood donations are the only patient lifeline. Local trauma
victims, cancer patients, premature babies, and those with chronic blood
disorders depend on a safe and adequate blood supply for survival.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO GIVE BLOOD? DONORS MUST:

· Be generally in good health;

· Be at least 17 years of age, or in the states of Maryland &
Pennsylvania, 16 years of age w/ written parental consent;

· Weigh no less than 110 pounds;

· Have NOT received a tattoo within the past year;

· Have NOT donated whole blood within the past 56 days.

Members of the community are asked to call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE immediately to
schedule an appointment to donate at any American Red Cross Donor Center or
community blood drive. Information about Regional Blood Donor Centers or
community blood drive locations and times can be found at
www.my-redcross.org.