Find a Blood Drive
Find a Blood Drive
It’s a battle to help save lives. The annual ‘Battle of the Banks’ blood challenge is a friendly competition to see which Bay City bank can collect the most pints of blood. This year, six (6) area banks are taking part to help ensure blood is available to patients who need it.
The blood challenge will be held Friday, Sept. 9 from 10 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. at Dow Bay area Family YMCA (225 Washington Avenue) in Bay City. Participating banks include FirstMerit Bank, Huntington Bank, Chemical Bank, PNC Bank, Independent Bank and Thumb National Bank & Trust Co.
The blood challenge also takes place just before 9/11Day, the nation’s largest annual day of charitable engagement. The American Red Cross joins 9/11 Day to encourage individuals to help others and commemorate the events of Sept. 11 by giving blood or platelets or donating their time.
“This event continues to highlight the wonderful partnership between the Red Cross and the Bay City business community,” said Kelly Remer, Donor Recruitment Representative with the American Red Cross Great Lakes Blood Services Region. “The Red Cross is also proud to partner with 9/11 Day and empower members of our communities to give blood and volunteer to commemorate this anniversary while making a profound contribution to community preparedness.”
Everyone who comes to donate will receive a free Red Cross drawstring back sack, while supplies last. The bank that collects the most votes from donors during the challenge will receive the ‘Battle of the Banks’ traveling plaque and, of course, bragging rights until next year.
Bay City ‘Battle of the Banks’ blood drive
Friday, Sept. 9
10 a.m. to 3:45 p.m
Dow Bay Area Family YMCA
225 Washington Avenue, Bay City
To make an appointment to donate, visit redcrossblood.org and enter sponsor code: Battle Banks, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767), download the Blood Donor App or contact participating businesses for more information.
How to donate blood
Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org 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 (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.
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