Central Blood Bank Offers Twilight Fans a way to be Among First to see the Highly Anticipated Sequel New Moon

Central Blood Bank Offers Twilight Fans a way to be Among First to see the Highly Anticipated Sequel New Moon

Pittsburgh's Largest Regional Blood Center Announces Special Blood Drive for Fans of Popular Vampire Series

PITTSBURGH, Oct. 27 /PRNewswire/ -- With midnight showings of the next installment of the popular Twilight movie series New Moon selling out more than two months prior to the sequel's November 20 U.S. release date, Central Blood Bank is offering Pittsburgh fans a way to be among the first to see the highly anticipated movie while helping to save area lives.

In honor of the release of Twilight: New Moon, Central Blood Bank is hosting a special New Moon themed blood drive event on Monday, November 2 from 1 PM to 8 PM at the Sokol Club, located at 2912 E. Carson St. and Tuesday, November 3 from one PM to seven PM at Dingbats, located at Pittsburgh Mills.

The first 250 donors who schedule an appointment for either drive at www.centralbloodbank.org or call (412) 209-7080, provide the drive code "Q002" for November 2 drive or "Q003" for the November 3 and present to donate blood will receive a free pair of tickets to a special midnight screening of Twilight: New Moon. The screenings are taking place at the SouthSide Works Theater on Nov. 19, 2009, the night prior to the opening day of the movie's release, and at 11:59PM and on Nov. 20, 2009 at 11:59PM. These will be one of the first public showings of the film. Additional single tickets to the midnight screenings are available while supplies last to donors who show up and donate the day of the blood drive as a "walk-in."

"We are constantly looking for new and compelling ways to build our donor base. By focusing on what is hot in pop culture, in this case the Twilight craze, we can engage a very important audience," said Judi Matok, Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Central Blood Bank. "Our goal is to make blood donation fun and educate younger audiences on the importance of giving back to the community. We also want to raise awareness that when people donate one pint of blood they can save up to three lives right here in the Pittsburgh area."

Donating blood is a very simple, easy and free way to give back to the Pittsburgh community. Each blood donation can save up to three area lives. If this drive's goal of collecting 500 donations is met, more than 1,500 people would receive the gift of life.

Pre-registered appointments for this popular drive are highly recommended but walk-ins are welcome. Those interested in participating in the drive and securing their two tickets to the midnight screening can register at www.centralbloodbank.org or call (412) 209-7080.

In order to give blood, donors must be at least 17 years old (16 year olds may donate with a signed parental consent), weigh at least 110 pounds and not have received any tattoos or piercings (ear piercings are ok) in the last year. There may be other eligibility requirements that apply that will be determined on an individual basis on site.

About Central Blood Bank

Established in 1951, Central Blood Bank is a not-for-profit organization that serves the transfusion needs of Pittsburgh and surrounding area hospitals. Today it is a center for excellence in transfusion medicine and an integral partner in the delivery of health care in western Pennsylvania, northern West Virginia and eastern Ohio regions. Central Blood Bank currently employs approximately 330 dedicated employees at 28 conveniently located community locations who annually collect, test and distribute 155,000 units of whole blood to more than 40 hospitals and health care facilities in the tri-state area. Fourteen mobile teams are available daily, visiting businesses, schools, churches and community groups to provide access to donate.

For more information surrounding Central Blood Bank, visit www.CentralBloodBank.org.

About The Institute for Transfusion Medicine(SM)

Founded in 1987, The Institute for Transfusion Medicine(SM) (ITxM(SM)) is one of the nation's foremost organizations specializing in transfusion medicine and related services. Headquartered in Pittsburgh, and with offices in Chicagoland, ITxM(SM) and its experienced team offer patients and medical facilities comprehensive support, including consultation with our specialized medical staff and delivery and testing of blood products by our skilled technicians. Its two blood centers, Central Blood Bank in Pittsburgh and LifeSource in Chicago, provide nearly one million units of lifesaving blood products annually. While blood collection is a fundamental part of the organization's purpose, providing safe blood products to hospitals and, ultimately, patients in need is their primary goal.

Source: Central Blood Bank

CONTACT: Lisa Cassidy of The Institute for Transfusion Medicine,
+1-412-208-8005, or +1-412-352-5849, LCassidy@itxm.org, for Central Blood
Bank

Web Site: http://www.centralbloodbank.org/

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