Join the race to help save lives at the Hinchcliffe Challenge Blood Drive

Verizon IndyCar Series driver James Hinchcliffe seeks blood donors, Sept. 1

PORTLAND, Ore. (Aug. 22, 2018) — IndyCar attendees can join the race to help save lives with Verizon IndyCar Series driver and blood recipient James Hinchcliffe at a special American Red Cross Hinchcliffe Challenge Blood Drive supported by Verizon IndyCar Series and the Grand Prix of Portland. The blood drive is Saturday, Sept. 1, from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Portland International Raceway.

Race attendees who come to donate at the Hinchcliffe Challenge Blood Drive will receive a free paddock pass (must be at least 18 years old) and a Red Cross-branded aluminum water bottle, while supplies last. Potential donors must have an IndyCar admission ticket to enter the blood drive, which takes place inside the Portland International Raceway gates in the vendor area.

Hinchcliffe suffered severe injuries after a crash during practice at Indianapolis Motor Speedway in 2015. He needed 22 units of blood to survive, about twice an average person’s blood volume. His experience led him to realize how important blood donation really is.

“It took something like what happened to me for me to understand the problem,” said Hinchcliffe. “I'm working with the Red Cross to do whatever I can to raise awareness about the issue and try to draw people to blood donation.” 

Hinchcliffe’s accident is a reminder of how fragile the blood supply can be. “Just as James ended up needing a large volume of blood quickly to save his life, we can’t predict when a major accident might happen,” said Meg Ahlering, business account manager for the Red Cross. “It’s the blood already on the shelves that helps save lives in an emergency.”

This blood drive is one of several Hinchcliffe is sponsoring across the country with the Red Cross to help boost blood supplies during a time when fewer people donate. The public can follow social media activity of these events by using hashtag #HinchcliffeChallenge.

Hinchcliffe Challenge Blood Drive with James Hinchcliffe

Saturday, Sept. 1, 2018

8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Portland International Raceway

1940 N. Victory Blvd.

To schedule an appointment, download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) and use sponsor code INDY. As an added thank you, those who come out to give blood will receive a coupon for a free Sports Clips haircut via email several days after their donation. The coupon is valid through Nov. 11, 2017 at participating Sport Clips locations. Donors must have a valid email address on record to receive the coupon.

The Hinchcliffe Challenge Blood Drive comes as the Red Cross faces an emergency need for blood and platelet donors to give now so patients can continue to receive the lifesaving treatment they need. Right now, blood products are being distributed to hospitals as fast as donations are coming in. More donations are immediately needed to help replenish the blood supply. 

How to donate blood

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.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.