LOUISVILLE, Ky. (July 1, 2019) — The American Red Cross invites individuals of all blood types to be a hero and give blood at the Holiday Hero Blood Drive July 9 -11, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Churchill Downs, 700 Central Ave., Millionaires Row — sixth floor, in Louisville. Those coming to the blood drive may enter the parking lot through the Clubhouse Gate. All presenting donors will receive a free Stoker’s Broaster chicken dinner and one free ticket to King’s Island or other Cedar Fair locations,* while supplies last. (*Offers and items are non-transferable and are not redeemable for cash.)
The Holiday Hero Blood Drive comes as the Red Cross is urging individuals to help ensure blood is never missing from hospital shelves through the Missing Types campaign. The goal of Missing Types is to inspire new blood donors and those who haven’t given in a while to give this summer and become a regular blood donor for patients in need and in the years to come.
“During the summer, especially around holidays like Independence Day, blood donations often don’t keep pace with patient needs,” said Garry Allison, director of donor recruitment, American Red Cross River Valley Blood Services Region. “Right now, just 3 out of every 100 people in the U.S donate blood, and that’s not enough. The Holiday Hero blood drive is a great opportunity to encourage new, lapsed and regular donors to help boost the blood supply and ensure lifesaving blood does not go missing from hospital shelves.”
Donated blood may be used to help accident victims, surgery patients, organ transplant patients, and those receiving treatment for leukemia, cancer or sickle cell disease. There is no substitute for donated blood products. Each day, the Red Cross must collect more than 13,000 blood donations to meet the needs of patients at approximately 2,600 hospitals across the country.
While all blood types are needed, those with types O, A negative and B negative blood are encouraged to make a Power Red donation at this blood drive. Power Red donors give a concentrated dose of red blood cells during a single donation, allowing them to maximize their impact.
How to donate blood
Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org and enter sponsor code: Hero or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to make an appointment or for more information. Walk-ins are also welcome. 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 in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), 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 and platelet donors can 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, from a computer or mobile device. 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% 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.