Chargers Hall of Fame Kicker Rolf Benirschke Launches New "Kick High Blood Pressure" Campaign at Chargers Blood Drive 30

CHARGERS HALL OF FAME KICKER ROLF BENIRSCHKE LAUNCHES NEW “KICK HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE” CAMPAIGN AT CHARGERS BLOOD DRIVE 30, PRESENTED BY THE SAN DIEGO COUNTY CREDIT UNION, TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, TOWN & COUNTRY CONVENTION CENTER, 9 AM TO 7 PM            

On Tuesday, November 25, Chargers Hall of Fame kicker Rolf Benirschke will come full circle by launching a new lifesaving wellness campaign at the 30th anniversary of the first Chargers Blood Drive originally held on his behalf back in 1979.  At that time, Benirschke needed some 80 pints of blood to help him get through two major abdominal surgeries within six days.  Since then, the San Diego Blood Bank has collected more than 40,000 pints of blood at the Chargers drives.             

Through the “Kick High Blood Pressure” campaign, Benirschke hopes to raise awareness about dangers of high blood pressure, a condition with which he was recently diagnosed.

Attendees at the Chargers Blood Drive are encouraged to stop by a meeting room to view a special video featuring former NFL players, owners, medical professionals and patients who will discuss the benefits of early detection and treatment of high blood pressure. After the short video, doctors and patients will share insights on how to live with and manage high blood pressure and take questions from the audience.      

Participants at Chargers Blood Drive 30 will also be able to join the National Marrow Donor Program registry free of charge.           

Blood donors will be awarded a commemorative Chargers Blood Drive 30 T-shirt, enjoy food, entertainment and have the chance to meet some of their favorite Bolts players.  In addition, participants can purchase entries to win a 2009 Honda CRV, donated by the Honda Dealers of San Diego County, which will be given away at the event.

Participants who do not plan to donate blood, but would still like to meet the Chargers and enjoy the festivities; will be charged a $5 entry fee ($1 for children under 17).  Blood donors will be refunded the admission price after they donate.

The Chargers Blood Drive is made possible by presenting sponsor San Diego County Credit Union, as well as major sponsors Grossmont Healthcare District, Cox Channel 4, the Honda Dealers of San Diego County, Darrell and Kathy Issa and the Issa Family Foundation, Mercer Health & Benefits, the U.S. Air Force and Plan B Party Styling.

For more information on Chargers Blood Drive 30, visit SanDiegoBloodBank.org or call 1-800-4MY-SDBB.