Find a Blood Drive
Find a Blood Drive
TALLADEGA, Ala. (Aug. 13, 2020) —The American Red Cross invites donors to join the race to help save lives at the 15th annual Talladega Superspeedway Laps for Life Blood Drive, Thursday, Aug. 27 from noon to 6 p.m. and Friday, Aug. 28 from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Fox Sports 1 Dome, located at the International Motorsports Hall of Fame just outside the track.
Donors are urged to give blood and help meet the constant need for blood products for patients battling diseases and facing the unexpected. All presenting blood donors will receive a custom Laps for Life Red Cross T-shirt, tour of the International Motorsports Hall of Fame (self-guided) and a barbeque sandwich, chips and a drink, while supplies last. Also, as a thank-you for helping ensure a stable blood supply, those who come to give Aug. 1-Sept. 3 will receive a $5 Amazon.com Gift Card via email, courtesy of Amazon.*
Blood donation is essential to ensuring the health of the community. In recent weeks, hospital demand for blood products has grown by 30% after sharply declining in early April amid this rapidly changing and complex public health crisis. At the same time, blood drives continue to be canceled as many businesses and community organizations remain closed. Donors are needed to make and keep scheduled appointments to help meet the current need.
“The Red Cross needs blood drive hosts, like Talladega Superspeedway, to help ensure a stable blood supply,” said Ronnika A. McFall, external communications manager for the Red Cross Alabama-Mississippi Blood Services Region. “That’s why we appreciate the Talladega Superspeedway team for partnering with us to create this fun tradition of rolling up a sleeve at the speedway and helping patients in need. Because about 80% of blood donations are made at drives hosted by community leaders and groups.”
Donors are asked to schedule an appointment prior to arriving at the drive and are required to wear a face covering or mask while at the drive, in alignment with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention public guidance.
The Red Cross is now testing all blood, platelet and plasma donations for COVID-19 antibodies for a limited time, providing donors insight into whether they have been exposed to this coronavirus. Donors who help support the urgent need by giving at this drive will be able to view their results 7-10 days after donation through the Red Cross Blood Donor App or at RedCrossBlood.org.
Blood drive safety precautions
Each Red Cross blood drive and donation center follows the highest standards of safety and infection control, and additional precautions – including temperature checks, social distancing and face coverings for donors and staff – have been implemented to ensure the health of all those in attendance. Donors are asked to schedule an appointment prior to arriving at the drive and are required to wear a face covering or mask while at the drive, in alignment with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention public guidance.
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, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enable the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device, sponsor code: TALLEDEGA. 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, from a computer or mobile device on the day of their donation, 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% 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.
* Restrictions apply. Additional information and details are available at RedCrossBlood.org/Together.