American Red Cross, Nexcare Bandages and supermodel Niki Taylor team up for World Blood Donor Day

The American Red Cross, in partnership with Nexcare Bandages and supermodel Niki Taylor, will celebrate World Blood Donor Day on June 14 with the sixth annual Nexcare give program. The Red Cross encourages all eligible blood donors to give, especially those with types O negative, B negative and A negative, to help maintain the summer blood supply and prevent a shortage.

The goal of the give program is to inspire people to donate this summer and all year long by raising awareness about the ongoing need for blood. Nexcare created a collection of limited-edition bandages surrounding this year’s theme, “The Art of Giving,” to remind donors of the importance of blood donation. The bandages focus on the word “give” and are inspired by five artistic movement styles – impressionism, abstract art, contemporary art, pop art and street art. The limited-edition bandages will be available to presenting blood and platelet donors at Red Cross blood drives beginning Monday, June 9, through World Blood Donor Day on June 14.

“Many people say they never fully understood the importance of donating blood until they or someone they love needed it,” said Page Gambill, CEO of the Red Cross Mid-Atlantic and Appalachian Blood Services Region. “Donors are needed every single day to ensure an adequate blood supply is available for patients now and throughout the year.”

Red Cross spokesperson and mother of four Niki Taylor understands the need for blood all too well. In 2001, she almost lost her life after a serious car accident. During her recovery, Taylor received approximately 100 units of lifesaving blood. To this day, she attributes her survival to the donors and doctors who helped save her life.

For more information or to make an appointment to donate blood or platelets, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Upcoming blood donation opportunities June 9-14 :

How to donate blood: Simply call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental consent in some states), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

About the American Red Cross: The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.