Blood Center & Veterinary Hospital Hosting Joint Humane/Canine Blood Drive & Pet Fair

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Date

Contact: Thomas Matthews, Donor Resource Representative March 11, 2015

610-691-5850 ext. 1283 || tmatthews@hcsc.org

Calling all People and Pets!

BLOOD CENTER & VETERINARY HOSPITAL HOSTING JOINT HUMAN/CANINE BLOOD DRIVE & PET FAIR

BETHLEHEM, PA – As part of this year’s “Heroes Helping Heroes” event, a joint Human/Canine blood drive

will be held at Macungie Memorial Park, Route 100, Macungie, on Sunday, May 3, 2015. The blood drive, sponsored by Valley Central Veterinary Referral and Emergency Center’s Animal Blood Bank, Cloud Nine Pet Services at Kimberly Memorial Park, and Queen of the Valley Farm, in conjunction with Miller-Keystone Blood Center, will be held from 12:00noon – 4:45pm.

Kimberly Rohrbach CVT, Supervisor of Valley Central Animal Blood Bank explains that just as humans require blood transfusions as part of treatment for many health conditions, so do animals. “The demand for animal blood products has grown as owners have become more knowledgeable and pet care technology has become more sophisticated,” she says, noting that recruitment of potential donors is essential to keep up with the current demand for blood supplies.

“Your blood donation is very important to the health and welfare of hospital patients in our area, as the need for blood is never ending,” explains Tom Matthews, Donor Resources Representative, Miller-Keystone Blood Center, noting that in order to donate, individuals must be at least 17 years of age, weigh a minimum of 110 pounds, and must not have donated in the past eight weeks. All donors must also provide valid identification; ID must have the donor’s name printed on it, as well as a photo and/or signature.

“Therefore, it is vital that blood used today be replaced today. We are grateful to Valley Central Animal Blood Bank, Cloud Nine Pet Services and Queen of the Valley Farm, for their continued support, and we look forward to working with them to help promote an understanding of the necessity for safe, adequate blood supplies for both our human and canine companions,” Matthews concludes.

In addition to the human/canine blood drive the pet fair will feature various animal related groups including Precious Paw Prints Jewelry, a jewelry business that creates commemorative paw print and pet image jewelry feature your own pet. Owner Meghan Gage will be donating 10% of the proceeds from each order to Valley Central Animal Blood Bank. Many give-aways, shopping and educational opportunities will fill the day from a variety of booths for multiple animal rescue groups, shelters, and vendors. Refreshments will also be available for purchase. Join in the fun!

Schedule of Events:

12:15 Agility demo by Lehigh Valley Dream Weavers Agility Club

1:00 Lehigh Valley Therapy Dogs

1:30 Passion for Paws Dog Training

2:00 Police K-9 Demo

2:30 Anwell Veterinary Rehab and Conditioning Center

3:00 Pet CPR

3:30 Agility demo by Lehigh Valley Dream Weavers Agility Club

For more information on the day’s events or canine blood donations, contact Kimberly Rohrbach at Valley Central (610-435-1553, ext. 110); and to schedule a human blood donation, contact Kevin Zerwick at Cloud Nine Pet Services (610-285-2720) Kathy Poole at Queen of the Valley Farm (610-393-7104), or Rohrbach at Valley Central (610-435-1553, ext. 110).

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