How the Red Cross Celebrates Shark Week

July 18, 2023

The American Red Cross has teamed up with Warner Bros. Discovery for the 35th anniversary of Shark Week and the theatrical release of Meg 2: The Trench to help avoid frequent summer blood shortages. Don’t be cold-blooded: Join us and give blood!

Even though shark bites can cause bleeding, they are uncommon. You’re more likely to need a lifesaving blood transfusion than you are to be bitten by a shark. However, if you were to suffer a shark bite, you’d want blood immediately available for your treatment, wouldn’t you?

In addition to donating blood, you can be prepared for any unforeseen bleeding emergency with this downloadable guide.

download the guide now

Red Cross experts offer a training program about First Aid for Severe Trauma™(FAST™). FAST prepares you with skills that go beyond the basics and can help you recognize and stop a life-threatening bleeding emergency, help you to ensure safety and communicate effectively during the emergency, and teach you how to apply direct pressure and use a tourniquet to help stop the bleeding. While FAST is available for everyone, the course and digital materials are offered at no charge to high school students under the age of 19.

There have been many groundbreaking discoveries in medicine over the years, but there’s still no substitute for blood. Blood can’t be manufactured and can only come from donors like you. And, by either giving blood or putting to use the skills you gain from FAST your selfless choice to help others could be the very thing that saves someone’s life.

And don’t forget, we’re celebrating a summer of sharks and you’re invited to dive in and help. Come to give July 12-Aug. 12, 2023, to be automatically entered for a chance to win a three-night New York getaway for two with a private shark dive adventure at Long Island Aquarium!^^ PLUS there’s more! Come give July 17-31 for an exclusive Shark Week T-shirt, while supplies last!^

Terms and Conditions

^^Void where prohibited. Void in Puerto Rico, any U.S. territories and outside the United States and where prohibited by law. Open to legal residents of U.S. states and DC, age 18+ (19+ in NE and AL; 21+ in MS) at entry. Begins 12:00 a.m. ET on 07/12/23; ends 11:59 p.m. ET on 08/12/23. NO PURCHASE OR DONATION NECESSARY. To enter either present to donate blood at an American Red Cross blood donation facility or send an email to customercare@redcross.org and include the Giveaway name, "American Red Cross 2023 Meg 2: The Trench Giveaway." There is a limit of five (5) total Entries permitted per Entrant, regardless of method of Entry, during the Giveaway Period. One (1) prize will be awarded to one (1) winner. Winner will receive one (1) double occupancy hotel room for three (3) nights, round-trip airfare (unless local) for two (2) to New York with one (1) day entry to the Long Island Aquarium for two (2) and private shark dive adventure. Total ARV of all prize elements: $9,000. Odds of winning depend on number of entries received. Full rules click here. Sponsor: American Red Cross. © Meg 2: The Trench 2023 Warner Bros. Ent. All Rights Reserved.

^Offer applicable to presenting donors only during the following dates: 07/17/2023-07/31/2023 and while supplies last. Offer subject to availability of donation opportunities in presenting donor’s area. No substitutions and not transferable by presenting donor. Not redeemable for cash.

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