Find a Blood Drive
Find a Blood Drive
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Dec. 14, 2018) — The American Red Cross and the Nashville Predators are teaming up to help patients this holiday by hosting a blood drive before the season matchup between the Preds and the New York Rangers. The Ninth Annual Nashville Predators Holiday Blood Drive will be held Saturday, Dec. 29, from 3 to 7 p.m. at Bridgestone Arena, in the Meeting Room, 501 Broadway in Nashville.
This blood drive comes as the Red Cross faces an urgent need for blood donors of all blood types to give now to ensure blood is available for medical treatments and emergencies during the holiday season. As a special thank you for taking time to donate, all presenting donors who pre-schedule an appointment will receive a free Red Cross Holiday T-shirt and a $10 voucher toward the purchase of a Predators home game ticket or a Predators Pro Shop purchase, while supplies last.
“We are thankful to be able to partner with the Red Cross for our ninth blood drive in an effort to continue educating the Smashville fans and community on the importance and impact of blood donation,” Senior Director of Community Relations Rebecca King said. “The Nashville Predators Foundation strives to connect fans to causes that we care deeply about and we couldn’t be more thrilled to continue our efforts with the Red Cross.”
Donating blood is one of the simplest things a person can do to help save a patient’s life. In about an hour, a blood donor can help accident and burn victims, heart surgery patients and transplant recipients, and those receiving treatment for cancer or sickle cell disease.
“Blood donations often decline during the holidays when regular donors are battling seasonal illnesses or busy with holiday activities and travel, said Tiffany Taylor, external communications manager for the Red Cross Tennessee Valley Blood Services Region. “This time of year, it’s important to remember that medical conditions and emergencies which require blood don’t stop for the holidays. We’re excited to have the support of the Preds and the Smashville community in ensuring patients won’t have to worry about the availability of blood this winter.”
Blood donors of all blood types, especially type O, are urgently needed to give now to avoid delays in lifesaving medical care for patients. Volunteer blood drive hosts are also critically needed to keep the blood supply strong throughout winter.
How to donate blood
Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, sponsor code: PREDS19 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 Nashville Predators Foundation
The Nashville Predators recognize they play an important role in the community beyond what takes place on the ice. Established on August 18, 1998, the Predators Foundation strives to meet the educational, social, health and cultural needs of the community by offering unique resources and financial support to local youth-oriented organizations, awarding almost $6.0 million to the greater Nashville community. Between grants and other charitable donations, such as player ticket programs and fund-raising efforts, the Foundation donated over $2.0 million in cash to community organizations during the 2017-18 season. To learn more about the Nashville Predators Foundation and see a list of upcoming events, visit www.nashvillepredators.com/foundation.
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.