Find a Blood Drive
Find a Blood Drive
Donors needed at “49ers for Life” blood drive on Jan. 24
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (Jan. 10, 2016) — University of North Carolina at Charlotte blood drive organizers are calling on students, and community members to fulfill a critical need for blood at the annual “49ers 4 Life” blood drive on Jan. 24.
“Winter is one of the toughest times for the American Red Cross to collect enough blood to meet patient needs,” said Jillian Butler, donor recruitment manager for the Red Cross. “When the UNC Charlotte community comes together for this drive, they can help boost the blood supply – and ultimately offer hope to sick children, cancer patients and accident victims.”
This blood drive comes when the Red Cross has a severe winter blood shortage and has issued an emergency call for donors to give now so patients can continue to receive the lifesaving treatments they need. Right now, blood products are being distributed to hospitals faster than donations are coming in. Donors can help mitigate this shortfall at the blood drive on Tuesday, Jan. 24 from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. at UNC Charlotte’s Barnhardt Student Activity Center, 9201 University City Blvd.
Presenting donors will receive a specially designed “I Bleed 49ers Green” t-shirt, while supplies last and be entered to win additional prizes like spirit gear from Barnes & Noble at the UNC Charlotte bookstore. Presenting donors will also be provided with free food from several area restaurants.
Donors should schedule an appointment by visiting redcrossblood.org and entering the sponsor code “49ers4Life,” calling 1-800-RED CROSS or downloading the Red Cross Blood Donor App.
How to donate blood
To make an appointment, download the free Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). Donors can use RapidPass to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, from a computer or laptop. Visit redcrossblood.org/RapidPass to get started.
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.
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 visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.