ATLANTA, August 11th, 2023 — To help prevent a blood shortage this summer, the American Red Cross is collaborating with legendary designer, Eric Emanuel on a program to help motivate a new, younger generation of blood donors. This is the second year the Red Cross has partnered with Emanuel to raise awareness of the need for blood. Presenting donors who make an appointment and come out to give blood at a select blood drive in Atlanta on August 17 will receive custom, limited-edition mesh shorts from the NYC-based designer and blood donor.
Last year the program hosted three blood drives in two cities -- collecting more than 405 lifesaving donations. The events attracted hundreds of first-time donors who were primarily under the age of 30 years old -- a particularly challenging group to engage for the Red Cross. Through the unique and unexpected mix of fashion and altruism, the program has proven its ability to tap into a budding demographic of youth and young adults looking for ways to give back.
“When the Red Cross approached me with this idea to help change the narrative around donating blood, I was immediately eager to engage my community,” said Eric Emanuel, New York City-based designer. “I release product every Friday at my store in NYC, which typically generates a line of customers around the block. It will be really incredible to see that same line of supporters lined up to donate blood instead. Within 24 hours of sharing the Red Cross x EE shorts online, I’ve received an outpouring of over 30,000 willing participants. It means a lot to support the Red Cross in generating awareness around the importance of donating blood.”
This summer, the Red Cross has seen a shortfall of about 25,000 blood donations, which makes it hard to keep hospital shelves stocked with lifesaving blood products. By making an appointment to give blood or platelets in August, donors can keep the national blood supply from falling to shortage levels.
Blood donation appointments are available starting today and are expected to fill up fast. Anyone interested in getting in on the drop can visit redcrossblood.org and enter the sponsor code DropATL to find details about the blood drive. Appointments are required for this blood drive.
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.
