Hello beauties! June 14th, 2010, is World Blood Donor Day. America’s Blood Centers and Nexcare Bandages help get the word out with a campaign called “give,” that thanks those who give blood and encourages others to donate.

Amazingly, less than 10% of Americans currently give blood, but if just 1% more donated – less than 4MM Americans – the nation’s blood shortages would disappear for the foreseeable future. This figure is especially important now as the nation faces “summer blood shortages” due to vacation schedules and other seasonal distractions.

To bridge this gap, the “give” program raises awareness through a variety of ways, including an interactive Website and free inspirational bandages, marked with the word “give” that serve as a badge of honor and rallying point for others to join in. This year, since June 14th is also Flag Day, the bandages are inspired by our shared patriotic spirit, symbolizing the hero in each American who save lives by giving blood. Finally, timing couldn’t be more perfect since this month marks the release of the third Twilight movie “Eclipse,” so it’s a time to think about giving blood, while the vampire craze is all about taking it!

Nexcare Brand and America’s Blood Centers are partnering on the second annual give program, a nationwide blood donation initiative kicking off on World Blood Donor Day, Monday, June 14th, and extending through Sunday, June 20th.

World Blood Donor Day comes at an important time each year. As local blood centers face “summer shortages,” the nation’s blood supply comes under strain due to less donations because of increased vacation schedules and other seasonal distractions that tend to take place in the summer months. World Blood Donor Day reminds Americans to donate and enables them to help make a impact in reducing these shortages.

Additionally, there’s a dedicated website, www.nexcaregive.com, where you can share your story, get directions to a local blood center and register to receive coupons and a free sampling of bandages.

Did You Know? Facts About Blood Donation

· One pint of blood can save up to three lives

· Every two seconds, someone needs blood

· Most Americans will require a blood transfusion at some point in their lives

· There is no substitute for human blood

· Donors can give whole blood up to six times a year