Find a Blood Drive
Find a Blood Drive
ATLANTA (May 27, 2019) — The community is invited to team up with the American Red Cross and Atlanta Braves at their 11th annual All-American Blood Drive June 8, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Hank Aaron Terrace in SunTrust Park. The Braves drive started in 2009 and has held the title of largest single day Red Cross blood drive in Georgia since its inception. To date, the team has helped the Red Cross collect a total of 4,549 pints of blood. Participants will receive a pair of tickets to a Braves games, a commemorative T-shirt and a chance to win a family four pack of tickets and Braves memorabilia.
In May 2014, then 12-year-old Braves fan, McClain Reed, was diagnosed with T-cell acute lymphoid, a form of cancer. During his fight with the disease, he received chemotherapy treatments that required numerous blood transfusions that McClain would say helped him to feel much better physically and emotionally. Now 16 and cancer free, McClain enjoys playing lacrosse, spending time with his friends, driving his truck and going to the movies; however, he and his family also continue to educate the public about the need for blood donations.
“If it was not for people taking the time out of their day, Mac would not be alive,” said McClain’s father, Mark Reed, who is now a regular blood donor. “Saying thank you is not enough for the people who donate their blood and time to save lives.”
“Mac is a survivor and he reminds us why donating blood this summer is so important,” said Ronnika A. McFall, external communications manager, Red Cross Southern Blood Services Region. “We appreciate the Braves, Chick-fil-A of Windy Hill Rd., SunTrust Park, 680 The Fan, WSB-TV, and Rock 100.5 for supporting our lifesaving mission and helping thousands of patients in need.”
The Red Cross currently has a critical shortage of type O blood. Right now, and type O blood is being distributed to hospitals faster than donations are coming in. Type O donors ─ and donors of all types ─ are urged to give now to help ensure blood is on the shelves for patients when every second matters.
In thanks, all those who come to donate blood or platelets with the Red Cross May 1 through June 10, 2019, will receive a $5 Amazon.com Gift Card via email. (Restrictions apply; see amazon.com/gc-legal. More information and details are available at RedCrossBlood.org/Together.)
How to donate blood
For more information and to make an appointment to donate, download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org sponsor code: BRAVES or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). Donors of all blood types are needed. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental consent in some states), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.
Blood donors can now save time at their next donation by using RapidPass to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, from a computer or mobile device, prior to arriving at the blood drive. To get started and learn more, visit RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass and follow the instructions on the site.
About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.
About Atlanta Braves
Based in Atlanta since 1966, the Braves are the longest continuously operating franchise in Major League Baseball. Since 1991, Braves teams have earned two National League wild cards, 15 division championships, five National League pennants, and a World Series title. Atlanta Braves games are telecast on Fox Sports South and Fox Sports Southeast. Radio broadcasts can be heard in Atlanta on 680 the Fan (AM), ROCK 100.5 and regionally on the Atlanta Braves Radio Network. Follow the Braves at braves.com, facebook.com/braves and twitter.com/braves.