MADISON, Wis. (April 2, 2018) — The American Red Cross is partnering with the Overture Center for the Arts to help patients in need. The blood drive will be held Monday, April 23, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the reception area of the Overture Center, 201 State St., in Madison.
The Overture Center's mission is to support and elevate our community’s creative culture, economy and quality of life through the arts.
Some might compare the gift of donating blood as a fine art known for its beauty and meaningfulness. There is no better way to celebrate the splendor of the arts than by helping the Red Cross maintain a sufficient blood supply.
“Overture Center for the Arts is delighted to partner with the American Red Cross for the third year,” said Ted DeDee, President and CEO of the Overture Center. “The act of kindness and generosity on both the blood donors and the Red Cross is inspirational. We’re proud to provide a space in the heart of downtown Madison for those working, living and visiting the area to help save lives.”
Thanks to the generosity of the Overture Center for the Arts, all presenting donors will receive a discounted promo code for up to 30% off remaining Overture Center Broadway season shows and will be entered in a raffle for a chance to win a pair of tickets to the opening night performance of On Your Feet Tuesday, May 15th.
“Blood and platelet donations are needed so that patients can continue to receive lifesaving treatments,” said Michelle Meekma-Yaun, donor recruitment account manager for the Red Cross Badger-Hawkeye Blood Services Region. “We encourage donors to invite a friend, family member or co-worker to donate with them to help meet patient needs. Giving blood is a simple way to put the spirit of service into action and help save lives.”
Blood and platelets are needed for many different reasons. Accident and burn victims, heart surgery patients, organ transplant patients, and those receiving treatment for leukemia, cancer or sickle cell disease may all need blood.
The need for blood is constant. On average, the Red Cross must collect more than 13,000 blood and platelet donations every day for patients at about 2,600 hospitals nationwide. Donors with all blood types are currently needed.
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 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 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.