FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 21, 2008

Franklin County Relay for Life Blood Drive
Wednesday, May 28 and Thursday, May 29

The Franklin County Relay for Life Committee will host a two-day St. John’s Mercy Hospital community blood drive on Wednesday, May 28, and Thursday, May 29, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. in Suite 100 of the Mercy Medical Building, 851 E. Fifth Street, in Washington. This year’s theme is a western theme, "Kicking Out Cancer.”

Each Relay for Life team is asked to bring in one donor for the blood drive. At the end of the drive, if 40 donors participate, St. John's Mercy Donor Services will donate a $50 Quik Trip (QT) gas card to the American Cancer Society for a family in need. Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are strongly encouraged. To make an appointment, please call 636-239-8751.

All donors will receive a complimentary summer t-shirt. The goal is to have 80 people donate blood that day for the hospital.

Donors must be at least 17 years of age, 110 lbs., and in good health. Donors should allow eight weeks between donations. Blood donated during the drive benefits patients at St. John’s Mercy.

For more information on hosting a St. John’s Mercy Hospital community blood drive at your school, business, organization or place of worship, contact Cheryl Barkhurst, donor recruitment director, St. John’s Mercy Hospital, at 314-302-9402.

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