ATLANTA (Dec. 04, 2018) — To help ensure a stable blood supply this holiday season, the Atlanta Hawks are teaming up with the American Red Cross for their 9th annual Atlanta Hawks Blood Drive, Tuesday, Dec. 18, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at State Farm Arena, 1 Philips Dr. in Atlanta.
The Hawks have worked with the Red Cross for eight years and has collected 824 pints of blood. This year the team hopes to bring the collection total to more than 900 pints. As a thank you for helping the Hawks reach their goal, each presenting donor will receive a pair of tickets to an Atlanta Hawks game of their choice: Dec. 18 or Jan. 21, while supplies last.
The winter months can be among the most challenging times of year for the Red Cross to collect enough blood donations. Many donors are busy with holiday activities, and inclement weather can force the cancellation of blood drives. Additionally, some donors become temporarily ineligible because of seasonal illnesses.
“The Red Cross appreciates the Atlanta Hawks for supporting our lifesaving mission,” said Ronnika A. McFall, external communications manager of the Red Cross Southern Blood Services Region. “Giving blood only takes about an hour and the Hawks provide a great opportunity for the community to help give patients a chance to celebrate more holidays to come.”
Those with types O, A negative and B negative blood are encouraged to make a Power Red donation. Power Red donors give a concentrated dose of red blood cells during a single donation, allowing them to maximize their impact. During this type of donation, red blood cells are separated from other blood components, and the plasma and platelets are safely and comfortably returned to the donor.
How to donate blood
Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org and use sponsor code atlantahawks or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. 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 in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), 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 and platelet donors can 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. 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.