Fourth Annual Nexcare give Program Thanks Blood Donors with New Bandage Collection Inspired by Iconic Trends from Past Decades

About 44,000 blood donations are needed each day in the United States. With no substitute for human blood, those in need rely on the kindness of volunteer donors. To raise awareness and inspire action about this cause, Nexcare Bandages, in partnership with the American Red Cross and supermodel Niki Taylor, announce the fourth annual Nexcare give program. This nationwide initiative shines a light on the World Health Organization’s World Blood Donor Day on June 14 by thanking those who give blood and encouraging others to get involved.

This year, Nexcare Bandages and the Red Cross will bring attention to the importance of giving blood all year-round with the overarching theme, “Giving Blood is Timeless.” Niki Taylor, Red Cross spokesperson and mother of four, has joined the 2012 Nexcare give program to bring this theme to life and help educate people about the ongoing need for blood donation.

Taylor, a longtime supporter of the Red Cross, became committed to raising awareness about blood donation after her own experience as a patient in need in 2001. Taylor received 100 units of life-saving blood after a near-fatal car accident, and attributes her survival to the donors and doctors who helped save her life.

“I am proud and honored to be involved in the Nexcare give program, and I hope that by sharing my personal story about how Red Cross blood donors saved my life, I can inspire people around the country to get involved,” said Taylor. “I encourage everyone to roll up a sleeve on World Blood Donor Day this year and give.”

New for 2012, Nexcare Brand will be giving away limited edition bandages inspired by iconic trends from decades past, adorned with the word “give” to demonstrate that “Giving Blood is Timeless.” This collection features six eye-catching designs ranging from retro polka dots and tie-dye to grunge plaid, and is a nostalgic nod to the time-honored tradition of giving back by donating blood.

The limited edition Nexcare giveBandages will be distributed at Red Cross donor centers and blood drives nationwide throughout the week leading up to World Blood Donor Day on June 14.

To pledge to support blood donation, request free Nexcare giveBandages and enter for a chance to win a trip for two to New York City, visit Nexcaregive.com or text “give” to 34426.*

*Standard data rates may apply.

About The American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies nearly half of the nation's blood; teaches lifesaving skills; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a charitable organization — not a government agency — and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit www.redcross.org or join our blog at http://blog.redcross.org.

About 3M

3M captures the spark of new ideas and transforms them into thousands of ingenious products. Our culture of creative collaboration inspires a never-ending stream of powerful technologies that make life better. 3M is the innovation company that never stops inventing. With $27 billion in sales, 3M employs about 80,000 people worldwide and has operations in more than 65 countries. For more information, visit www.3M.com or follow @3MNews on Twitter

3M and Nexcare are trademarks of 3M.

©3M 2012

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LaForce + StevensMilena Ricci and Marisa Siegel, 212-242-9353mricci@laforce-stevens.comor3M Public Relations and Corporate CommunicationsRobert Brittain, 651-733-7034rbrittain@mmm.com