JEFFERSON CITY -- As part of American Red Cross Month, the American Red Cross Missouri-Illinois Blood Services Region will hold an open house from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday, March 25th at the Red Cross Blood Donation Center. Senator Jason Crowell, R-Cape Girardeau, will participate to promote the importance of giving blood and give blood himself.

"This event could truly help save lives and has the opportunity to impact so many in our community. I hope others across Southeast Missouri will join me Friday to give blood" said Sen. Crowell. "As just one person, you can help save up to three lives with your donation to the blood center."

There is a great need for blood in the U.S. as a blood transfusion is needed about every two seconds. The American Red Cross plays a critical role meeting this need as they are the nation's largest single supplier of blood, distributing to over 3,000 hospitals nationwide.

The Missouri-Illinois Blood Services Region annually collects almost 240,000 blood products to be transfused to patients in need. In order to meet this need, they count on about 1,000 donations of blood every day.

Members of the Southeast Missouri Chapter will also be on hand to discuss information about the full range of Red Cross services. As part of the open house, guests are invited to tour the donation center offices and view the new American Red Cross Donor Bus and Disaster Service Vehicle which will be on display.

For more information about the event, contact Laurie Nehring, Communications Manager for the American Red Cross Missouri-Illinois Blood Service Region at 618-303-2777.

WHAT: American Red Cross Month Open House

WHERE: American Red Cross Blood Donation Center,

20 S. Mount Auburn Road, Cape Girardeau

WHEN: Friday, March 25 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.