Back St. Louis, Mo., February 12, 2003 – The American Red Cross has signed an agreement with the Department of Defense’s Armed Services Blood Program Office (ASBPO) for supplemental supply of blood products in the event that its requirements for blood products exceed Department of Defense’s collection capabilities. With the possibility of military action in Iraq, the agreement will help ensure that blood is available to American troops if needed. The Department of Defense operates its own Armed Services Blood Program Office, but according to Col. Glenn Fitzpatrick, Director Armed Services Blood Program Office, “The need for blood products increases significantly as new operations begin or the current operations tempo increase. In such situations, the ASBPO historically has contracted to obtain blood from civilian agencies.” The agreement brings on board the Red Cross, which provides nearly half of the nation’s civilian blood supply, and will be an important source of supplementary blood products to the military if needed. “The Red Cross is proud of its history of providing life-saving blood to the service men and women of this country,” says Red Cross President and CEO and retired US Navy Rear Admiral, Marsha J. Evans. “With this agreement, the Red Cross promises to continue this critical service whenever and wherever it is needed.” Through its Congressional Charter, the Red Cross has a long history of supporting the military in times of need. Through the Armed Forces Emergency Services, the Red Cross plays a key role in relaying messages between families and service members in times of celebration and of loss — good news about the arrival of a baby, a serious illness in the family or the death of a loved one. When American troops are deployed overseas, the American Red Cross goes with them, sending ordinary men and women who provide extra-ordinary support to the men and women of the armed forces. The Red Cross relies on the generous donations of individuals to help ensure that blood is available when needed. To schedule a blood donation appointment, call 1-800-GIVELIFE. ABOUT THE AMERICAN RED CROSS The American Red Cross is dedicated to saving lives, easing suffering and restoring hope at home and around the world. Currently operating on a budget of $2.7 billion, the Red Cross annually mobilizes relief to the victims of more than 67,000 disasters nationwide. The American Red Cross provides nearly half of the nation's blood supply to patients in 3,000 hospitals nationwide. ABOUT THE ARMED SERVICES BLOOD PROGRAM OFFICE ASBPO, headquartered in Falls Church, Va., coordinates blood collection and distribution for the Department of Defense. The American Red Cross is a humanitarian, nonprofit organization founded in 1881, whose Blood Services division provides approximately half of the nation’s blood supply. The Missouri-Illinois Region annually distributes over 500,000 blood products to patients in need. This region currently serves over 130 hospitals in 120 counties and operates five distribution centers. The Red Cross relies on the generosity of volunteer blood donors to maintain a safe and adequate blood supply all year long. To find out more information about donating blood or to make a blood donation appointment, call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE or visit www.redcross.org. # # # For more information, contact Nicole Traycoff, Media Relations Coordinator Office:(314) 658-6584 Cell:(314) 378-9176

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