Baltimore, MD (August 5, 2021) — The American Red Cross invites eligible blood donors to step up to the plate and give the gift of life with the Baltimore Orioles and the American Red Cross on Saturday, August 14th. Donors will have the opportunity to roll up a sleeve between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. at the Sheraton Inner Harbor, 300 South Charles Street Baltimore, MD 21201.
“This drive comes as the number of trauma cases, organ transplants and elective surgeries rises, continuing to deplete the nation’s blood inventory. As we continue to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic, volunteer donors are critical,” said Misty Bruce, Executive Director for the American Red Cross of Central Maryland chapter.
The Red Cross continues to experience a severe blood shortage that is negatively affecting blood product availability for patients at hospitals across the country. Donors of all blood types – especially type O – are urged to make an appointment to give now and help ensure hospital shelves are stocked with blood products over the summer months and beyond.
All presenting blood donors at the Baltimore Orioles and Red Cross Blood Drive will receive a voucher for two tickets to see the O’s (game dates TBD, redeemable for Value or Classic Games)!*
Saturday August 14th
8 a.m. to 2 p.m. | Sheraton Inner Harbor, 300 South Charles Street Baltimore, MD 21201
To schedule an appointment, visit RedCrossBlood.org and enter the sponsor code ‘ORIOLES’ or call 1-800-RED CROSS or download the Red Cross Blood Donor App.
Health insights for donors
At a time when health information has never been more important, the Red Cross is screening all blood, platelet, and plasma donations from self-identified African American donors for the sickle cell trait. This additional screening will provide Black donors with an additional health insight and help the Red Cross identify compatible blood types more quickly to help patients with sickle cell disease. Blood transfusion is an essential treatment for those with sickle cell disease, and blood donations from individuals of the same race, ethnicity and blood type have a unique ability to help patients fighting sickle cell disease.
Donors can expect to receive sickle cell trait screening results, if applicable, within one to two weeks through the Red Cross Blood Donor App and the online donor portal at RedCrossBlood.org.
Blood drive safety
Each Red Cross blood drive and donation center follows the highest standards of safety and infection control, and additional precautions – including face masks for donors and staff, regardless of vaccination status – have been implemented to help protect the health of all those in attendance. Donors are asked to schedule an appointment prior to arriving at the drive.
How to donate blood
Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) 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 comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on Twitter at @RedCross.
*Offers and items are non-transferable and are not redeemable for cash. Items are available while supplies last. Vouchers can be redeemed for tickets to Value or Classic games only. A schedule of Value and Classic games can be found at: http://baltimore.orioles.mlb.com/bal/ticketing/variable_schedule.jsp.