ARUP^® Laboratories &ndash National Reference Laboratory

Culinary Meets Capillary Third Annual Blood Drive Competition

Downtown Restaurants and ARUP Blood Services
Invite the Community to Save Lives by Donating Blood

SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH, June 2, 2005  –  ARUP Blood Services and local restaurants are coming together to save lives. More than 60 restaurants are competing in the third annual Culinary Meets Capillary competition to be held on Wednesday, June 8, from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at The Gateway. At this blood drive, everyone – shop and restaurant owners, their employees, clients, visitors, and the general public – is invited to donate blood in the name of their favorite participating restaurant. Each blood donation will count as a vote for the donor's favorite Salt Lake downtown restaurant, and will also directly benefit patients at local hospitals. All donors will receive an admission ticket to the post-donation party on the patio outside The Gateway's Grand Hall at the Union Pacific Depot. The patio party will feature prizes, entertainment, and dozens of delicious dishes, provided by participating restaurants.

ARUP Blood Services created this competition in anticipation of the increased need for blood products during the summer months. Restaurants such as Z-Tejas, Squatters, Biaggi's, Market Street Grill, Thaifoon, Fleming's Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar, Ben & Jerry's, Marie Callenders, Starbucks, Applebee's, and Ben's Cookies will provide some of the food that will be donated to the event. For a complete list of participating restaurants, visit  www.utahblood.org. All blood donations benefit patients at the University of Utah Hospitals & Clinics, Huntsman Cancer Institute, Primary Children's Medical Center, and Shriners Hospital for Children.

To donate blood you must be at least 18 years old (or 17 years old with a parental permission slip), weigh at least 110 pounds, and be in good health. Picture ID is required. You may donate blood once every 56 days. The actual blood donation takes less than 10 minutes; however, you should plan on spending 45 minutes to complete the process. Before a blood donation can be taken, a technician will check your blood pressure, temperature and pulse, and take a small blood sample to make sure you are not anemic. A brief and confidential medical screening is also completed to determine your eligibility as a donor. This not only assures that the blood is safe for patients, but also checks to be sure you are healthy enough to donate. The process of donating is a simple, quick, and safe way to help someone who needs blood to live.