(PHOENIX, Ariz., Feb. 9, 2004)—Show your love of life this Valentine’s Day by donating blood during the American Red Cross "Have a Heart" blood drive sponsored by Phoenix College on Friday, Feb. 13 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Bulpit Auditorium at Phoenix College.

Students, faculty, staff and community members collected a record breaking 45 units of blood during the "Holiday Heroes" blood drive in November—the most ever collected at Phoenix College. With your help, the "Have a Heart" blood drive will exceed November’s donations, setting a record high for Phoenix College.

The American Red Cross is continuously working to replenish the increasingly low blood supply. Busy schedules, traveling and work obligations get in the way of valuable blood donations. By simply setting aside one hour of your day to donate blood, you can help as many as three people. If that is not enough, here are more reasons to donate blood:

--In the U.S., a blood transfusion is needed about every two seconds.

--In Arizona, more than 300 blood donors are needed every day.

--By the time each of us reaches the age of 72, nearly all of us will have used blood or a blood product and so will most of our family and friends.

Individuals wishing to donate blood are encouraged to call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE and schedule an appointment for the Phoenix College "Have a Heart" blood drive. Walk-in appointments will also be accepted. If you donated blood in November at the "Holiday Heroes" event, you can and are urged to donate again. Typically, donating blood takes about 45 minutes to one hour. Donors must be 18 years or older, weigh at least 110 pounds, and have a form of photo identification.

Sponsors of the blood drive include Student Life and Leadership at Phoenix College, the Wellness Committee at Phoenix College and the American Red Cross.

All community members are encouraged to participate in the blood drive. For further information, please contact 1-800-GIVE-LIFE or the Phoenix College Student Life and Leadership Office at (602) 285-7231.

###