ATLANTA (June 18, 2019) – Only 3 out of 100 Americans donate blood, yet every two seconds, someone needs it. There simply aren’t enough people donating blood to help patients in need. That’s why the American Red Cross and Atlanta United 2 are teaming up to encourage the community to roll up a sleeve. Volunteer donors are invited to give blood Tuesday, July 2 from noon to 6 p.m. at Fifth Third Bank Stadium, 3200 George Busbee Pkwy. NW. in Kennesaw.
This blood drive comes as the Red Cross is urging individuals to help ensure blood is never missing from hospital shelves by donating blood through the Missing Types campaign. The goal of Missing Types campaign is to change the statistics by inspiring blood donors, especially new donors, to give this summer and become regular blood donors for patients in need in the years to come. Blood products are being distributed to hospitals as fast as donations are coming in, and eligible donors are urged to give now. Presenting donors will receive a special gift item, Red Cross T-Shirt and a pair of tickets to the Atlanta United 2 match on July 5th, 2019, while supplies last.
“Blood donations historically decline during the summer months for a variety of reasons, including busy schedules and vacations, but the need remains constant,” said Ronnika A. McFall, external communications manager for the Red Cross Southern Blood Services Region. “We encourage the community to join us to meet the needs of patients being treated for cancer, sickle cell disease and other health conditions.”
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
For more information and to make an appointment to donate, download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) sponsor code: ATLUTD2. 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, 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.