Red Cross, Papa John’s offer free pizza coupons to blood donors
North Carolinians urgently needed to support blood supply amid pandemic
Find a Blood Drive
Find a Blood Drive
With the help of a generous donation from Papa John’s, presenting American Red Cross blood donors in several cities across North Carolina will receive a free medium 1-topping pizza. This offer comes as the Red Cross has an urgent need for blood donations to prevent another blood shortage as hospitals resume surgical procedures and patient treatments that were temporarily paused earlier this spring in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I am so thankful to work for a company that is dedicated to helping our communities during the pandemic. When we heard about the need for blood donations, I reached out to the Red Cross to see if there was a way that we could help,” said Mike Smith, Vice President Operations, Papa John’s International. “The organization has been a great partnership from the very beginning, and we are grateful for the ability to help during this time.”
As a thank you for responding to the urgent need for blood, presenting donors at community blood drives in Raleigh, Fayetteville, Charlotte, Greensboro, Wilmington and surrounding areas will receive a coupon for a free medium 1-topping pizza while supplies last, through June 30, 2020.
“We are grateful for Papa John’s commitment to bringing awareness to the constant need for blood. Additionally, the team doesn’t hesitate to roll up their sleeves and do their part to provide potentially lifesaving transfusions for patients,” said Barry Porter, regional chief executive, Eastern NC Red Cross.
Each Red Cross blood drive and donation center follows the highest standards of safety and infection control, and additional precautions – including temperature checks, social distancing and face coverings for donors and staff – have been implemented to ensure the health of all those in attendance. Donors are asked to schedule an appointment prior to arriving at the drive and are required to wear a face covering or mask while at the drive, in alignment with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention public guidance.
How to donate blood
Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, schedule online, call 1-800-RED CROSS or enable the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device 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, before arriving at the blood drive. To get started, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Blood Donor App.
About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% 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.