Union County Residents Helped Save Over 15000 Lives
in 2009 by giving "The Gift of Life" to those in need.

The Union County Chapter of the American Red Cross is one of 27 Chapters in the Central Ohio Blood Region. This year, Lynne Whatley, Executive Director and Marge Morley, Blood Services Coordinator for the Chapter attended a Special Meeting of Regional Representatives. Information is closely monitored throughout the year with Recognition given to chapters. This year, the Union County Chapter received the Gold Service Award, "on behalf of our County residents" said Lynne. "This recognition was given for our county collecting over 5300 units of blood in 2009, more units than ever collected from the county. This is due to the time and dedication of hundreds of local volunteers, donors and company sponsors. Truly, we are a community of heroes. The young people in all of our schools are huge contributors to the our local blood collection success. Each unit of blood collected saves up to 3 lives. One local lady, and honorary co-chairperson for this year's Golf Outing scheduled for June 11, 2010 at the Buck Ridge Golf Course is here today because of the local heroes who take the time to volunteer, give and sponsor. Jennifer Kleiber, age 27, has received over 675 units of blood, many from area residents, since her birth. At age 27, she still relies on the life saving blood units to keep her alive. Jennifer, due to her gratitude and appreciation of the American Red Cross, has realized a need to give back and help make a difference for those in need of such vital services provided by the American Red Cross and has joined the Union County Chapter Board. "Jennifer is a hero for the inspiration she gives to others along with her incredible ability to overcome obstacles associated with her lifelong need for blood on a monthly basis. Jennifer and her need for blood has motivated many people in Union County to give "the gift of life" over the years. When hearing the news of the Gold Service Award, Jennifer stated that "our community is my hero." Lynne commented that "we, as a community are over 48,000 heroes strong." Jennifer and Terry Gamble, Honorary Co-Chairs of this year's Golf Outing along with Board Members, Director, and staff encourage everyone to join us in support of and/or as a golfer, Swinging for our Heroes, all 48,000 of them. All contributions go to the local chapter service delivery efforts, facilitating the saving of lives, and preparing, preventing and responding to disasters throughout the county, state and even our world.

Visit our website, give us a call, and/or stop by our office to find out how YOU can help save lives, respond to disasters, learn lifesaving CPR skills, volunteer, and sponsor/play in our "Swinging For Our Heroes" Golf Outing on June 11th. Beginning next week, weekly press releases featuring local heroes will be provided to the Journal Tribune and made available on our website. Learn more about Jennifer Kleiber and her heroic journey as a blood recipient. Find out how just a few minutes taken to act as a neighbor can save lives in the event of a home fire from Terry Gamble. Read about and see how young people in all of our area schools raised money to help with the Haiti Earthquake relief efforts. Lastly, we challenge the Community to help us raise $48,000, just $1 per resident of Union County. The challenge will be launched at our Golf Outing and end with a Hometown Hero Recognition Event in the fall. Hero Nomination Forms will be officially introduced at the Golf Outing but are available on our website now.

In addition to providing blood to our community, the Union County Chapter of the American Red Cross provides relief to victims of disaster, trains thousands in lifesaving skills, serves as a communication link between U.S. military members and their families, and assists victims of international disasters or conflicts. Staff and volunteers serve 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and 365 days a year. We are not a government agency and serve with local donations only. We're here because of YOU! We are a Union County United Way Agency. The Union County Chapter of the American Red Cross - 112 East 5th Street, P.O. Box 129 Marysville, Ohio 43030 Phone: 937/642-6651

Lynne is shown here with Senior Director of Donor Services for the Region, Chris Copper, receiving the Gold Service Award for Union County on behalf of "our 48+thousand resident heroes" Whatley states. "The importance of giving "the gift of life" is real. Give now, give regularly and realize it would take 1 donor, 112 years, giving 1 unit of blood, 6 times each year to provide Jennifer Kleiber with the lifesaving blood products she has relied on to this date. The math is mind boggling. It takes a lot of donors giving regularly to maintain a safe supply of blood for those in need. Thank YOU, Union County!"