ATLANTA (Dec. 5, 2019) — 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, Thursday, Dec. 19, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at State Farm Arena, 1 Philips Drive in Atlanta.
The Hawks have worked with the Red Cross for nine years and collected 872 units of blood. This year, the team hopes to bring the collection total to more than 950 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. 19 or Jan. 20, while supplies last.
“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.”
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.
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, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enable the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device to make an appointment or for more information with sponsor code: atlantahawks. 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.