ATLANTA (Sept. 3, 2019) — Georgia State University, Kennesaw State University and the American Red Cross will team up to help kids kick cancer at their Fall Challenge blood drives. You can donate on behalf of GSU Tuesday, Sept. 17th from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Sports Arena and noon to 6 p.m. at the University Commons. Donate on behalf of KSU Wednesday, Sept. 18th from noon to 5 p.m. at the Marietta Campus University Room or Sept. 18th and 19th at the Kennesaw Campus University Room from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Donors are encouraged to give during Childhood Cancer Awareness Month this September, to support kids, teens and young adults battling cancer, as well as others in need of transfusions. According to the National Cancer Institute, more than 15,000 children and adolescents in the U.S. are diagnosed with cancer each year. Childhood cancer patients may need blood products on a regular basis during chemotherapy, surgery or treatment for complications.
“This friendly challenge is a great way for students, facility, staff and fans to show school pride and help ensure a stable blood supply for hospital patients,” said Ronnika A. McFall, external communications manager of the American Red Cross Southern Blood Services Region. “Donors can do good and look good this September when they donate blood with the Red Cross and get a free haircut coupon from Sport Clips Haircuts – a proud partner of the St. Baldrick’s Foundation, which supports research to find cures for childhood cancers.”
As a thank you, GSU presenting donors will receive a custom Red Cross T-shirt, be entered in special raffles and have the chance to win an Apple Watch!* KSU presenting donors will receive a custom Red Cross T-shirt and a free slice of pizza!*
Donors of all blood types are encouraged to make an appointment. Eligible donors with types O, A negative and B negative blood are urged to make a Power Red donation at these blood drives. 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.
Those who come out to give blood or platelets Sept. 1-30 will receive a coupon for a free haircut via email several days after their donation. The coupon is valid through Nov. 11, 2019, at participating Sport Clips locations. Donors must have a valid email address on record to receive the coupon.
Help save lives at one of the following blood drives:
9/17/2019: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., Georgia State University Sports Arena, 125 Decatur St. in Atlanta.
9/17/2019: noon – 6 p.m., Georgia State University – University Commons, 141 Piedmont Ave. in Atlanta.
9/18/2019: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Kennesaw Campus University Room 395 Cobb Ave. NW in Kennesaw.
9/18/2019: noon – 5 p.m., Kennesaw State University – Marietta Campus Ballroom, 1100 South Marietta Parkway in Marietta.
9/19/2019: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Kennesaw Campus University Room 395 Cobb Ave. NW in Kennesaw.
How to donate blood
For more information and to make an appointment to donate, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) sponsor codes for KSU blood drives: KSU, KSUM; sponsor codes for GSU blood drives: Georgiasu. 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 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 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.
*Offers and items are non-transferable and are not redeemable for cash. Items are available while supplies last.