American Red Cross Launches National Campaign to Connect NASCAR Fans With Blood...( Red Cross Partners With 3M Corpor...),Health

Red Cross Partners With 3M Corporation and Roush Fenway Racing; Launches New Interactive Web site at redcrossracing.com

WASHINGTON, April 21 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The American Red Cross today announced the launch of Red Cross Racing, a new national campaign to recruit NASCAR fans as blood donors and raise awareness of the need to give blood. Every two seconds, someone in America needs blood.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080421/DC20034 )

Through the support of 3M and Roush Fenway Racing -- two highly respected organizations in the NASCAR motorsports world -- the No. 16 Ford Fusion will race this Sunday at the Aaron's 499 in Talladega, Ala. in a full paint scheme featuring the Red Cross logo. The car will be driven by Red Cross Celebrity Cabinet member and blood donor Greg Biffle.

"I'm proud to be an American Red Cross blood donor," said Biffle. "I give blood because it's easy to do and helps support our community. I hope NASCAR fans across the country will join me this racing season to help save lives, one drive at a time."

"The Red Cross invites NASCAR fans to follow Greg Biffle's lead and help win the race to increase much-needed blood donations," said Mary S. Elcano, Acting President and CEO of the American Red Cross. "Many NASCAR fans are already loyal Red Cross supporters in times of disaster, and through Red Cross Racing, we hope they will become frequent blood donors too."

Race fans will be able to join a Donor Rewards Program by visiting redcrossracing.com beginning on April 24. This new Web site makes it easy to schedule blood donation appointments online and offers frequent donors the chance to get points, which can be exchanged for Red Cross Racing gear, including caps, t-shirts, jackets and limited edition die-cast cars. Race fans can also join Red Cross Racing at one of the nine NASCAR races w
'/>"/>