Score a win for patients with the Columbus Blue Jackets 2019

Blood and platelet donors enjoy icy cool prizes in September

COLUMBUS, Ohio (August 26, 2019) — The Columbus Blue Jackets are teaming up with the American Red Cross to score a win for patients in need and offer icy cool gifts and prizes during the annual Hockey Is In Your Blood campaign.  When you come to donate blood or platelets with the Red Cross in Central Ohio during September, you can enjoy the following gifts and prizes:

• One free ticket when a ticket is purchased to select home games in September and October.
• Enter to win one of four prize packs including team memorabilia and game tickets.
• Enter to a win a ride on the Zamboni® ice resurfacing machine at a Jackets game.

A blood drive will be held at Nationwide Arena Tuesday, Sept. 24, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. hosted by the Blue Jackets as well. The community is encouraged to participate by making a blood or platelet donation with the Red Cross in September. Find a Red Cross blood drive at RedCrosBlood.org or 1-800-RED CROSS.

“We are excited to partner with the Blue Jackets to help hospital patients,” said Norma Wasserstrom, recruitment account manager for the Red Cross Central Ohio Blood Services Region. “This is a great time to give as we work to rebuild the blood supply in September after experiencing a donation shortfall over the summer.”

Every two seconds in the United States blood is needed to respond to patient emergencies, including accident and burn victims, heart surgery and organ transplant patients, and those receiving treatment for leukemia, cancer or sickle cell disease. The Red Cross must collect more than 13,000 blood and platelet donations every day for the patients at about 2,500 hospitals nationwide.

More information on the Columbus Blue Jackets can be found at BlueJackets.com.

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, 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.