Summer is the time for fun in the sun, family events and vacations, but the need for blood never stops.  In fact, the need INCREASES on the North Coast, due to all of the visitors to the area.
We urge you to donate at the special WLEC blood drive:
Wednesday, July 28 2-7pm
Sandusky Mall center court, in front of Macy’s

Donate blood, and we'll give you a pair of tickets to the TGIF North Coast Concert!

 Blood donations typically decrease during June, July and August. Donors may overlook giving blood when summer activities fill calendars or take them out of their routine.
 Just 38 percent of the population is eligible to give blood, and only 3 percent actually do.
 The American Red Cross is asking eligible donors to make or keep appointments to give blood this summer to help maintain a stable blood supply for ongoing or emergency needs.
 Donors may be asked give whole blood, double red cells or platelets to help meet hospital demand.
 Donors with type O and B blood may be asked to give double red cells at some drives; donors with type A and AB blood may be asked to give platelets when a donor center is nearby.
 As a thank you to donors,  all who come to donate blood or platelets between June 1 and September 6 will be automatically entered for a chance to win a 2010 Nissan Versa 1.8 Sedan courtesy of Mentor Nissan by Sunnyside or one of four $500 gas gift cards!

Blood Facts
 People with type O blood are often called universal donors since their blood can be transfused to patients with any ABO blood type.
 Close to half of all blood ordered by and supplied to hospitals is type O.
 All blood types are needed, but type O negative and B negative are in high demand.
 Steady and consistent blood donations are key to a strong blood supply.
 An average of 39,000 blood donations are needed every day by hospital patients across the United States.
 Blood has a shelf life of 42 days, and is typically available within 48 hours of donation.

Platelet Facts
 Platelets are the component in blood that is responsible for clotting.
 When bleeding occurs, platelets stick together to form a clot.
 Platelets have a shelf life of only five days so the need is constant.
 Platelets are frequently prescribed to help patients undergoing treatment for cancer, leukemia and other serious diseases, as well as for babies in neonatal intensive care and burn victims.
 Blood donors with type AB are ideal for platelet donation. Most anyone with any blood type can receive type AB platelets.
 For more information about platelet donation, call 1-800-356-3339.

Contact Information
 Call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
 Visit redcrossblood.org.
 Check out social media and search for Red Cross blood donors at facebook.com/redcrossblood.

Eligibility Information
 Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental permission in some states), meet weight and height requirements (110 pounds or more, depending on their height) and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood.
 Donors may give whole blood up to six times per year or every 56 days, double red cells every 112 days or up to three times per year, and platelets every seven days or up to 24 times a year.

Here is the complete list of your winners in the Listener Prestige Awards!  These are the businesses you voted as the Best of the Best on the North Coast:

HELP THE VICTIMS OF NORTHWEST OHIO TORNADOES