The Atlanta Falcons and American Red Cross team up to help hospital patients in need -2019

All eligible donors are invited to Rise Up and give blood at the Atlanta Falcons blood drive with the American Red Cross. The drive will be held Wednesday, July 31 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Each presenting donor will receive a pair of pre-season match tickets, while supplies last.

This blood drive comes during the difficult summer months, a time when many regular donors postpone giving blood due to vacation plans and summer activities. Right now, blood products are being distributed to hospitals faster than donations are coming in.

Every two seconds in the United States blood donations are 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. Blood transfusion is the fourth most common inpatient hospital procedure in the U.S. Blood can only come from volunteer blood donors, yet only 3 out of 100 people in the U.S. give blood. That’s simply not enough to help patients who need transfusions.

“Patients rely on the generosity of volunteer donors to help ensure a stable blood supply,” said Ronnika A. McFall, external communications manager for the Red Cross Southern Blood Services Region. “We thank the Falcons for providing this opportunity for the community to help those in need.”  

Donors can help fill the missing types by making an appointment to give by visiting RedCrossBlood.org/MissingTypes, using the Red Cross Blood Donor App or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). Eligible donors with types O, A negative and B negative blood are encouraged to donate double red cells.

For more information and to make an appointment to donate, download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) sponsor code: atlantafalcons. Donors of all blood types are needed. 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 (16 with parental consent in some states), 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, from a computer or mobile device 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.

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.

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*Offers and items are non-transferable and are not redeemable for cash. Items are available while supplies last.