Media Contact: Evan Peterson
[ATLANTA June 27]— The community is invited to team up with the American Red Cross and Atlanta Braves at their 14th annual All-American Blood Drive June 28- 30 at multiple locations. The drive kicked off on June 4 this year, and the overall Braves blood drive started in 2009 and has held the title of largest single day Red Cross blood drive in Georgia since its inception. To date, the team has helped the Red Cross collect more than 7,200 pints of blood.
All participating donors will receive a commemorative T-shirt, while supplies last, a chance to win autographed Atlanta Braves memorabilia, and an opportunity to take a picture with the Braves 2021 World Series Champions trophy June 28-30 at Truist Park!* Power Red donors will also receive a specialty gift. Plus, for helping meet patient needs at a challenging time of year, all who come to give will receive a $10 Gift Card via email, courtesy of Suburban Propane. (Restrictions apply. Additional information and details are available at RedCrossBlood.org/Together.)**
As summer approaches, the Red Cross encourages eligible donors to give blood and make it a summer full of life for patients in need.
“Blood donors have played a vital role in the lives of patients who have needed lifesaving transfusions during the pandemic, and patients continue to depend on donors each and every day,” said Latasha Tate, account manager, Red Cross Georgia Region. “The Red Cross appreciates the support of those who rolled up a sleeve to give in recent months, but the need doesn’t stop. We need the public’s help to avoid another blood shortage this summer and we thank our media sponsors, WSB-TV, 680 The Fan, and Rock 1005 Atlanta, for helping us spread this important message.”
It’s important to remember that red blood cells must be transfused within 42 days of donation and platelets within just five days. So, they must constantly be replenished. Every 2 seconds someone needs lifesaving blood, and the Red Cross depends on the help of donors and blood drive hosts to ensure blood products are readily available for patients during the busy summer months.
Blood drive safety precautions
Over the past two years, the Red Cross has continued to assess our COVID-19 safety protocols as the pandemic environment has evolved. On April 25, the Red Cross removed its mask requirement for individuals attending blood drives and donation centers as a result of CDC mask guidance, lower infection rates, and strong vaccine effectiveness. Moving forward, the Red Cross will continue to monitor CDC transmission information, as well as Red Cross infection rates and state/local regulations to help inform our policy. To the extent that there are state or local laws that differ from our policy, the Red Cross will remain in compliance with these laws.
Each Red Cross blood drive and donation center follows the highest standards of safety and infection control, and additional precautions 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.
Help save lives at one of the following blood drives:
6/28-30/22: 9 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Truist Park: Konica Minolta Conference Center 755 Battery Ave.
How to donate blood
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) or enable the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device. sponsor code: DeltaATL.
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% 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.
About Atlanta Braves
Based in Atlanta since 1966, the Braves are the longest continuously operating franchise in Major League Baseball. Since 1991, Braves teams have earned two National League wild cards, 15 division championships, five National League pennants, and two World Series titles. Atlanta Braves games are telecast on Fox Sports South and Fox Sports Southeast. Radio broadcasts can be heard in Atlanta on 680 the Fan (AM), ROCK 100.5, and regionally on the Atlanta Braves Radio Network. Follow the Braves at braves.com, facebook.com/braves, and twitter.com/braves.
*Offers and items are non-transferable and are not redeemable for cash. Items are available while supplies last.
**Restrictions apply. Additional information and details are available at RedCrossBlood.org/Together.