SALT LAKE CITY, July 14, 2016 — The American Red Cross and Music Saves Lives are working to increase blood donations this spring and summer by offering free access passes to the Music Saves Lives VIP area at the Vans Warped Tour to all those who come to give blood at participating blood drives at the following locations:
· Through July 23 at blood donation centers in Salt Lake, Orem and Layton. Concert is July 30 at the Utah State Fair Park.
· Through August 4 at the blood donation center in Boise. Concert is August 11 at the Idaho Center Amphitheater
· Through August 2 at various mobile blood donation events in the Las Vegas and St. George. Concert is August 9 at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino
In addition, presenting donors will have the chance to win a VIP Experience Package, which includes a ticket to the Warped Tour, VIP access and an exclusive backstage pass.
“Music fans don’t have to wait in line for VIP access to the Vans Warped Tour when they come out to give blood,” said Tammy Nakamura, external communications manager for the Red Cross Lewis and Clark Blood Services Region. “Donors of all blood types are needed to help ensure a sufficient supply all summer long for hospital patients.”
Blood donations are especially needed during the summer months when many schools where blood drives are held are out of session. The Red Cross must collect 14,000 blood donations every day to meet the needs of patients at approximately 2,600 hospitals and transfusion centers across the country.
Visit redcrossblood.org/MSL for a complete list of participating blood drives and Warped Tour concert dates.
The VIP Access Pass includes meet and greets with bands on tour, special access to VIP areas and a backstage pass for the first 100 VIPs to check in at the Music Saves Lives VIP area. A concert ticket must be purchased separately.
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.
About Music Saves Lives
Music Saves Lives is a non-profit organization founded in Southern California that works to create a connection between music and lifesaving community action. The organization focuses primarily on blood donation, and its goal is to inspire youth to become lifelong blood donors by offering a positive experience that youth associate with blood donation.