American Red Cross, PBM Products and The Village at Gordon House to Sponsor Community Blood Drive

The Village at Gordon House
March 10, 2008

GORDONSVILLE, VA - March 10, 2008 - The American Red Cross, in conjunction with PBM Products and The Village at Gordon House, will sponsor a community blood drive on Thursday, March 27, 2008, from 12:00 noon to 6:00 p.m. The event, created to celebrate the seventeenth birthday of area resident Miriam Curry, will be held at Christ Episcopal Church, 34 West Baker Street (High and W. Baker Streets), Gordonsville. The blood drive is free and open to the public.

Miriam Curry was born with a blood disorder called Diamond-Blackfan anemia. From birth, Miriam was unable to produce red blood cells to maintain her blood supply. Although Miriam's condition was successfully treated with drugs for a number of years, she is currently transfusion-dependent and receives blood every three weeks from anonymous donors. In the past nine years Miriam has received 269 units of blood.

"Miriam Curry is a perfect example of the incredible need we have in this and every community for blood donors," said Diane Manning, blood drive organizer and wife of Paul Manning, CEO of PBM Products. "This small and simple gesture goes a long way towards changing and even saving the lives of people like Miriam, who literally would not be celebrating this birthday without the help of others. We invite the public to join PBM Products and The Village at Gordon House in this important effort."

One of the most common reasons people give for not making a blood donation is that they have low iron. Iron levels can change every day based on the foods you eat, so even if you have been told that your iron is low, you can improve your chances of being eligible to donate by eating iron-rich foods. Not only will this help you make a lifesaving blood donation, adequate iron levels can improve your overall nutrition.

Donating blood is safe and easy. Donors must be at least 17 years of age, weigh at least 110 pounds, and be in general good health. They also must present photo identification in order to donate blood.

While supplies last, donors will receive a complimentary American Red Cross t-shirt. Homemade birthday goodies and the warmest of thanks will be provided.

About the American Red Cross

The American Red Cross provides relief to victims of disasters at home and abroad, collects and distributes nearly half of the nation's blood supply, teaches lifesaving skills, and supports military members and families. The American Red Cross, a charity and not a government agency, depends on voluntary contributions of time, money and blood to perform its humanitarian mission. For more information, visit www.redcross.org.

About PBM Products, LLC

PBM Products is privately owned and based in Gordonsville, VA. The PBM family of companies specializes in manufacturing, distributing, and marketing consumer food, nutritional, and pharmaceutical products. For more information, visit www.pbmproducts.com.

About The Village at Gordon House

The Village at Gordon House is an assisted living facility that offers an ideal solution for people who may need assistance with daily activities. The Village at Gordon House offers multiple levels of care ranging from residential, assisted living, and intensive assisted living, to short-term, respite care. For more information, call (540) 832-2286, or visit www.GordonHouseVillage.com.

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