A’s, B’s and O’s are disappearing from major brands to highlight the critical importance of blood donations
American Red Cross campaign urges donors to fill the Missing Types by giving blood
New survey finds widespread misconceptions about blood donation
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah (June 11, 2019) — Today, the American Red Cross launches the Missing Types campaign to raise awareness for lifesaving blood donations and urge the public to make an appointment to give blood this summer.
During the Missing Types campaign, the letters A, B and O – the letters representing the main blood groups – are disappearing from brands, social media pages, signs and websites to illustrate the critical role blood donors play in helping patients. When the letters A, B and O vanish from everyday life, the gaps are striking. And when A, B, O and AB blood types go missing from hospital shelves, patient care and medical treatments are affected.
Blood transfusion is the fourth most common inpatient hospital procedure in the U.S. Blood can only come from volunteer blood donors, yet only 3 out of 100 people in the U.S. give blood. That’s simply not enough to help patients who need transfusions.
“Just last month, the Red Cross experienced a critical shortage of type O blood. When this happens, medical procedures could be delayed because blood products are not available,” said Cliff Numark, senior vice president, Red Cross Blood Services. “That’s why we are asking those eligible to help fill the missing types by making a donation appointment today. Don’t wait for the letters A, B and O to go missing from hospital shelves again.”
Donors can help fill the missing types by making an appointment to give by visiting RedCrossBlood.org/MissingTypes, using the Red Cross Blood Donor App or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
Survey reveals public misconceptions about blood needs and donation
A 2019 national survey, conducted on behalf of the Red Cross, revealed a troubling disconnect between the public’s perception of blood donations and the realities of patient transfusion needs.
A third (33%) of the public has never considered that blood may not be available when a loved one needs it.* Just last month, the Red Cross had only six units of type O blood available for every 100,000 people, but more than twice that is needed every day.
Clothes (69%), money (63%) and food (53%) are the primary ways that the public has donated to help others in the past year.* Only 3% of people in the U.S. give blood.
Blood transfusion is one of the most common hospital procedures in the U.S. Yet, “Never really thought about it” was the primary reason (26%) that people do not give blood among those who haven’t given recently.*
More than half (54%) the public believes it is necessary to know their blood type in order to donate blood—this is simply not true. Potential blood donors do not need to know their blood type before giving blood. After individuals give blood, the Red Cross provides each donor their blood type.
Missing blood products can lead to delays in treatment
Troy Stemen is a 17-year-old with an upbeat attitude and love for sports and gaming. He’s also a survivor of high-risk acute lymphoma leukemia. During his treatment, he received 37 platelet and 10 red blood cell transfusions from generous Red Cross donors.
He and his mother, Veronica Stemen, recall multiple occasions when he had to wait hours for platelets to become available due to shortages. “My mom and I were both pretty concerned that I wasn’t going to get the platelets in time,” Troy Stemen said about one such occasion. “And I became pretty afraid and pretty scared that I might not get better.”
His mom said there was a noticeable difference in her son’s health and energy after getting blood and platelet products. She is grateful to the donors who have helped her son.
“When a child goes through the whole cancer process, you don’t really know what to expect,” said Veronica Stemen. “Looking back now, after all the dust has settled, we realize that if we didn’t have blood or platelets that maybe Troy would not be with us today.”
New donors needed
More donors, and new donors in particular, are needed to maintain a sufficient blood supply for patients like Troy Stemen. Donating blood is a simple process and only takes about an hour from start to finish.
Registration: Sign in, show ID and read required information.
Health check: Answer questions and receive a mini-physical.
Donation: Giving a pint of blood only takes about eight to 10 minutes.
Refreshments: Donors enjoy snacks and relax before resuming their day.
Donation appointments and completion of a RapidPass are encouraged to help speed up the donation process. RapidPass lets donors complete the pre-donation reading and answer the health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, by visiting RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass from the convenience of a mobile device or computer, or through the Blood Donor App.
National brands lending support
The Red Cross appreciates the support of its lead partners who have joined the #MissingTypes campaign, including: Ace Hardware, Adobe, Amazon, AVANGRID, Boise Paper, CarMax, The Clorox Company, The Coca-Cola Company, Domino’s, Facebook, Google, Herbalife Nutrition, IBM®, Land O’Lakes, Inc., Mall of America®, Nationwide®, OnStar, Oreo, PayPal, Salesforce, State Farm®, Suburban Propane, Sunoco, U.S. Bank, Zaxby’s Franchising LLC and Zebra Technologies Corporation.
Upcoming blood donation opportunities June 11-30
Utah
Alpine
6/20/2019: 2 p.m. - 8 p.m., Alpine North Stake, 1125 East Alpine Blvd
Cedar Fort
6/25/2019: 2 p.m. - 8 p.m., Eagle Mountain West Stake, 185 E. Center
Elk Ridge
6/21/2019: 1 p.m. - 7 p.m., Elk Ridge Utah Stake, 259 East Alpine Drive
Highland
6/15/2019: 8 a.m. - 2 p.m., Highland Utah South Stake-Larsen Park Bldg, 9621 North 6050 West
6/29/2019: 8 a.m. - 2 p.m., Highland Utah Central Stake, 10390 Alpine Highway
Lehi
6/13/2019: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Oracle, 3450 Triumph Blvd.
6/18/2019: 2 p.m. - 8 p.m., Ivory Ridge Swim and Tennis Club, 32 E. Clubview Lane
6/18/2019: 2 p.m. - 8 p.m., Lehi South Stake, 600 South 500 West
6/24/2019: 8 a.m. - 1:30 p.m., Best Vinyl Fence and Deck, 525 South 850 East
6/24/2019: 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., Podium, 1650 W. Digital Way
6/26/2019: 2 p.m. - 8 p.m., Lehi Utah Cedar Hollow Stake, 2178 North 1200 East
Lindon
6/14/2019: 7 a.m. - 1 p.m., Magleby Professional Services, 1291 W. Center Street
6/20/2019: 3 p.m. - 8 p.m., Lindon Central Stake, 731 East Center
6/24/2019: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., BambooHR, 335 S 560 W
Mapleton
6/21/2019: 2 p.m. - 7 p.m., Mapleton Stake, 31 West Maple
Orem
6/15/2019: 8 a.m. - 2 p.m., Orem Utah Stonewood Stake, 575 South 400 West
6/22/2019: 8 a.m. - 1 p.m., Orem Lakeridge Stake, 158 East 1100 South
Pleasant Grove
6/15/2019: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Smith's, 210 East 700 South
6/17/2019: 3 p.m. - 9 p.m., Young Sinlgle Adult Grove Ward, 2433 West 450 South
6/20/2019: 2 p.m. - 8 p.m., Pleasant Grove Timpanogos Stake, 800 North 100 West
6/29/2019: 11 a.m. - 5 p.m., Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork, 140 West Main, Suite 3
Provo
6/12/2019: 12 p.m. - 5 p.m., Wilkinson Center, Wilkinson Center, BYU Campus
6/14/2019: 12 p.m. - 6 p.m., Wilkinson Center, Wilkinson Center, BYU Campus
6/17/2019: 2 p.m. - 8 p.m., Tanner Sorenson LSL Drive - Hampton Inn & Suites - Provo, 1511 South 40 East
6/24/2019: 12 p.m. - 5 p.m., Wilkinson Center, Wilkinson Center, BYU Campus
6/25/2019: 2 p.m. - 8 p.m., Provo Utah Married Student 2nd Stake (Summer Drive), 1915 N. Canyon Road
6/28/2019: 8:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., Scenicview Academy, 5455 North 250 West, Scenicview Academy
6/28/2019: 12 p.m. - 5 p.m., Wilkinson Center, Wilkinson Center, BYU Campus
6/29/2019: 9 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., Provo Stake, 1315 East 900 South
Salem
6/19/2019: 1 p.m. - 7 p.m., Salem West - Knoll Park Chapel, 160 S. 460 W.
Spanish Fork
6/14/2019: 2 p.m. - 7 p.m., Spanish Fork Canyon Ridge Stake, 1911 East 1850 South
How to donate blood
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 in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), 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% 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 cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.
Supplemental Information about Survey Methodology
*These are the findings from a poll conducted Feb. 22-27, 2019, on behalf of the Red Cross. For the survey, a sample of 1,000 adults ages 18 and over from the continental U.S., Alaska and Hawaii was interviewed online, in English. The precision of Ipsos online polls is measured using a credibility interval. In this case, the poll has a credibility interval of ±3.5 percentage points for all respondents surveyed.
===========================
Dear Dave,
I was recently offered an opportunity to participate in a hands-on stock trading class. The problem is we don’t have the $6,500 registration fee just lying around. My husband and I are on Baby Step 4 of your plan, so what would you think about us borrowing that amount from our emergency fund? We would still have three months of expenses set aside after paying for the class.
Camille
Dear Camille,
I don’t know the exact course you’re talking about, but I do know something about the concept of buying and selling stocks, or day trading, if you want to call it that. I can tell you all the research shows 78 to 84 percent of day traders lose money. And one hundred percent think they won’t be the ones losing out. That includes people who take courses like the one you mentioned.
I have found no data points which show, on a consistent level across a broad population, that people who take a course like that become wealthy as a result. Buying and selling single stocks is an ultra-high-risk proposition. That’s why I don’t buy any single stocks. Now, I know some people who buy and sell single stocks as a very small percentage of their financial world. It’s almost like a hobby for them. A couple might actually make a little money from time to time, but it’s not the main focus of their investment strategy. To hear them, it’s like listening to fishing stories. They’re always talking about the one that got away.
I wouldn’t waste my money on the course, Camille—especially my emergency fund money. Your emergency fund is for, say it with me, emergencies only!
—Dave
(You don’t fake poor)
Word count: 259
Dear Dave,
I’ve got a couple of friends who were advised by their financial planners not to open college savings accounts for their kids. Their planners told them this would count against their children’s ability to receive financial aid and assistance when it’s time for college. Apparently, these planners told them to put the money into their own retirement accounts. It’s my understanding, however, that both the child’s and the parent’s financial situations are looked into when determining financial aid. Can you please shed some light on this?
Jeanette
Dear Jeanette,
So, if a financial planner told you not to get a job because then you can apply for welfare, are you going to listen to that person? What kind of moron gives financial advice like this? You don’t tell people not to save money for something, just so they can pretend they’re poor!
Save whatever money you can, and send your kid to school. Why is that such a difficult concept to grasp? People need to stop looking for tricks and shortcuts, because there aren’t any that will be beneficial in the long run. I’m not going to pose as broke—fraudulently—to get financial aid for my kid. That’s ridiculous!
I hope I wasn’t unclear.
—Dave
* Dave Ramsey is CEO of Ramsey Solutions. He has authored seven best-selling books, including The Total Money Makeover. The Dave Ramsey Show is heard by more than 16 million listeners each week on 600 radio stations and multiple digital platforms. Follow Dave on the web at daveramsey.com and on Twitter at @DaveRamsey.
=====================
Premieres New Single "Heartbeat"
Exclusively with NYLON
Upcoming Album
The Love Life
Due out August 2, 2019
via Hopeless Records
"It's a new side to the band that is in no way a departure from their
solidified rock presence but is rather the culmination of years of learning and growing." - NYLON
Currently on Tour with The Dangerous Summer
June 11, 2019 - Baltimore, MD - Have Mercy has given fans an early listen to their next single "Heartbeat" today. Premiering exclusively with NYLON, "Heartbeat" is propelled forward with a layered percussion section, indie rock guitar patterns and front man Brian Swindle's ever captivating vocals. You can check out the track today at https://nylon.com/have-mercy-heartbeat-premiere.
On the track, singer and guitarist Brian Swindle shares, "Heartbeat was written in 2 days while we were on tour. I sat in a lake house as the sun was setting and creatively a poppy song came to life and in the studio, Matt Squire helped us develop it into this cool rock song. It reminds me of a Jimmy Eat World track, which is pretty great in my eyes."
"Heartbeat" joins previously released single "Clair" from the band's fourth full-length album, The Love Life. Along with producer Matt Squire (Panic! At The Disco, The Maine),who oversaw the album's three-week recording progress, the group spent time carving out room in the album's 11 songs for each element of their sound-whether intricate guitar lines or Swindle's visceral vocal performances-to take center stage or serve a complementary role, depending on the situation. The Love Life is set to be released August 2, 2019 via Hopeless Records and is available for pre-order today at http://smarturl.it/thelovelife.
The Love Life Track Listing
1. We Ain't Got Love
2. Heartbeat
3. 40oz
4. Clair
5. Mattress On The Floor
6. Dressed Down
7. So Like You
8. Just Fine
9. Control
10. These Streets
11. 8006 Hedgeway CT.
Coming off the 2017 Billboard charting album, Make The Best Of It, singer and guitarist Brian Swindle is exploring the negative space in the bands music like never before. He shares, "This record is probably the most personal record since our first release. I wrote it to talk about everything I went through the last couple of years and how I was feeling during all of it. I want people to know that it's okay to be vulnerable and ask for help. If you don't then you may just be stuck in a bad place."
With these new tracks, the band's songwriting has grown into a more nuanced, layered affair that will certainly add a new element to their live show as well. "We're the band that says, 'We don't care about a soundcheck; let's plug in our amps and go,' Swindle says with a laugh. 'That will change with this record.'" Fans will have a chance to check out this new live show on the band's current run with The Dangerous Summer. For a full list of dates and more information, please head to wearehavemercy.com.
Upcoming Tour Dates:
June 11 - Prophet Bar - Dallas, TX
June 13 - Soundbar - Orlando, FL
June 14 - IMURJ - Raleigh, NC
June 15 - Canal Club - Richmond, VA
June 16 - House of Independents - Asbury Park, NJ
June 18 - Webster Underground - Hartford, CT
June 19 - ONCE Ballroom - Somerville, MA
June 21 - Mercury Lounge - New York, NY
June 22 - Metro Gallery - Baltimore, MD
###
As mentioned above, Have Mercy's latest album release, Make The Best Of It (Hopeless Records) secured the #2 spot for Alternative New Artist Albums, #3 for Top New Artist Albums, #8 for Record Label Independent Current Albums and #15 on the Top Current Rock Albums. The album has also been praised by outlets like CLRVYNT, Alternative Press, The Noise, Stitched Sound, Soundfiction and more.
For more information:
====================
Hello, again!
Here’s a great piece by Ramsey Personality, Anthony ONeal, on the three applications kids should fill out this summer. An image is attached.
Hope you can use it!
David N. Taylor Director of Print Syndication
for Ramsey Solutions
1749 Mallory Lane Brentwood, TN 37027
888 227 3223 x5212
3 Applications Your Kids word count: 605
Should Fill Out This Summer
By Anthony ONeal
Yeah, everyone loves summer vacation. But this isn’t the time for your kids to take a vacation from funding their college educations. They deserve to chill a little after a long school year, but summer is also a great time for them to take advantage of financial aid opportunities, and get college paid for (in between trips to the pool).
Whether they’re college-bound teens or already in college and home for their break, here are the three most important applications they should fill out this summer.
Job Applications
Guess what your most powerful wealth-building tool is? It’s not your investments, and it’s not credit card reward points (please tell me you and your kids are staying away from those). It’s your income.
That means in order for your kids to make enough cash to get them through college debt-free, they need to have a job. It might be June, but it’s not too late for them to find summer work as a server, lifeguard, theme park attendant—you name it. They might even want to build their entrepreneurship skills by creating a business, where they can mow lawns, babysit, walk dogs, or house-sit with a flexible schedule. Maybe they don’t want seasonal work, because they want to keep their job during the school year. That’s great too! They should just keep in mind they might need to cut back on their hours to have a healthy work/school balance during the semester. If they’re going to college out of state (which I don’t recommend unless you can afford to do so without debt), encourage them to look for job opportunities in their college town, and get started on applications while they’re home for the summer.
The FAFSA
If your kids are headed to college—or currently in college—and haven’t filled out the FAFSA for the 2019–2020 school year, they need to get on that now. Go to FAFSA.gov to find the form. Colleges use the FAFSA to determine how much money to offer your kids through scholarships, grants, and student loans. Just make sure your kids don’t accept any student loan offers they might get. We’re going to college debt-free, people!
Luckily, the FAFSA isn’t as confusing as it sounds and takes less than 30 minutes to complete. Every student should fill it out, regardless of their family’s financial situation. There’s no income cutoff to be eligible for aid, and your kids won’t know how much aid they could actually get unless they try.
Scholarship Applications
The FAFSA form isn’t the only way to get scholarships. There are thousands of scholarships available to students for all kinds of reasons (getting good grades, writing a killer essay, or being a member of a minority group). I’d encourage your kids to set specific goals for the number of scholarships they want to apply for per week. Then, make it happen! There’s no limit to how many they can apply for, so they could potentially fund their whole college education through scholarships alone! Check out AnthonyONeal.com to see my top recommendations for reliable scholarship resources.
About Anthony ONeal
Since 2003, Anthony ONeal has helped thousands of students make good decisions with their money, relationships and education to live a well-balanced life. He’s the National Best-Selling Author of Graduate Survival Guide: 5 Mistakes You Can’t Afford to Make in College, and he travels the country spreading his encouraging message to help teens and young adults transition into the real world. His latest book and video kit, Teen Entrepreneur Toolbox, released in April 2018.
You can follow Anthony on Twitter and Instagram @AnthonyONeal or facebook.com/aoneal.
