St. Louis, MO, Wednesday, May 2, 2007 - The City of Florissant and the American Red Cross will once again host Community Heroes Day on Saturday, May 12 from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the James J. Eagan Center in Florissant. The public is invited to participate in this 2nd annual event.  They can become a hero by taking two steps: 1. donate blood and/or 2. learn CPR.

Mayor Robert G. Lowery, Sr., adds, "This is an important time for all citizens not only in Florissant, but all over North County to participate in.  The American Red Cross is an outstanding organization and they have worked very hard in getting this event together and we cannot thank them enough."

About American Red Cross CPR Training:
Training is an essential step forward preparing for the unexpected.  In support of its lifesaving mission to help the community prevent, prepare for and respond to disasters and emergencies, the American Red Cross offers a variety of training courses to the public.  Each year, the St. Louis Area Chapter trains nearly 85,000 people in lifesaving CPR and first aid, including more than 15,600 people in the proper use of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs).

About American Red Cross Blood Donation:
Blood is needed in times of emergency, but the ongoing need is great.  The American Red Cross and patients throughout the region are especially in need of blood during the summer season.  While school is on break, ball games are in season, and vacations are planned, a dip in available blood levels typically occurs.  Every two seconds, someone in America needs a blood transfusion- cancer patients, accident victims, premature infants, and people with chronic diseases.  During times of crisis and every single day, each blood donation has the power to help save as many as three lives. 

"The American Red Cross is once again proud to partner with the City of Florissant for this important event," said Joseph C. White, CEO of the St. Louis Area Chapter.  "Our goal is to help people save lives through blood donation and CPR training.  By joining in this effort, citizens are helping their community be ready for the unexpected."

To schedule an appointment to donate blood, please call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE (448-3543) or log onto www.americanredcrossblood.org. To register for CPR training, please call 314-516-2740 or log onto www.redcrossstl.org.  All participants in the Community Heroes Event will receive a free commemorative t-shirt.

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