Find a Blood Drive
Find a Blood Drive
The Biloxi Shuckers and Birmingham Barons are taking their rivalry off the field for the first time and competing to help save lives with the American Red Cross. Donors are invited to help the Barons collect more blood than the Shuckers by donating Tuesday, June 27 from 1 to 8 p.m. at Regions Field, 1401 1st Ave. South, Birmingham.
Blood donations historically decline during the summer months for a variety of reasons, including busy schedules and vacations, but the need remains constant. Every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood. Accident and burn victims, heart surgery and organ transplant patients, and those receiving treatment for leukemia, cancer or sickle cell disease may all need blood.
“The Birmingham Barons are so proud to be partnering with the American Red Cross to help fulfill the need for blood,” said Claire Griffith, group sales manager/community relations, Birmingham Barons.
Presenting donors will receive two tickets to a Barons game and a commemorative T-shirt, while supplies last, and hot dogs, chips and drinks will be available in the refreshment area.
“We depend on community partners like the Barons to help raise awareness of the ongoing need for blood, especially during the challenging summer months,” said Mario Sedlock, director of donor recruitment, Red Cross Alabama and Central Gulf Coast Blood Services Region. “We hope donors will support the Barons and help hospital patients in need.”
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). 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.