Let It Bleed and help save lives during 7th annual event

Accident and burn victims, heart surgery patients, organ transplant patients, and those receiving treatment for leukemia, cancer or sickle cell disease rely on blood transfusions every day. Over the past six years, Z-92, CD 105.9 and KMTV 3 News Now have helped meet the need by sponsoring the Let It Bleed blood drive, which has become the largest summer blood drive in the American Red Cross Midwest Blood Services Region.

 

Since its inception, donors at this annual event have given 2,200 pints of blood, potentially helping up to 6,600 people. The large scale isn’t the only thing that sets Let It Bleed apart from other blood drives – donors get to enjoy live music and concert footage throughout the day.

 

“We are so proud of the work that has been done with the American Red Cross over the past 6 years,” said Jim Spector, Program Director for Z-92 and CD 105.9. “We look forward to the important work of collecting lifesaving blood for our community again this year.”

 

All who come out to donate will walk away with a commemorative Let It Bleed T-shirt and can enjoy free refreshments, while supplies last.

 

Friday, Aug. 4

6 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Mid-America Center, 1 Arena Way, Council Bluffs

Baxter Arena, 2425 S. 67th St., Omaha

 

This blood drive comes at a critical time, as the Red Cross sees a decline in blood donations during the summer months. Only about 3 percent of the U.S. population gives blood, which means a heavy reliance on repeat donors to maintain a sufficient blood supply. New blood donors are especially needed during the summer months because many schools where blood drives are held – and where new donors give – are not in session. Additionally, current donors often delay giving due to summer vacations. 

 

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 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.

 

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.