Race your way in and give blood with Red Cross on Sept.11
ATLANTA (Aug. 28, 2019) — Patients need your help around the clock — 365 days/24 hours/7 days a week. That’s why the American Red Cross is encouraging the community to race in and donate blood at the Drive for Life Blood Drive sponsored by Atlanta Motor Speedway. The blood drive will be Wednesday, Sept. 11 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Atlanta Motor Speedway – Marcy Scott Media Center, 1500 Highway 19/41 (Tara Blvd.) in Hampton.
“Atlanta Motor Speedway is always looking for opportunities to give back to our community,” said AMS Executive Vice President and General Manager Brandon Hutchison. “When the Red Cross told us about the urgent need for blood, partnering with them and offering our support to get life-saving donations was a no-brainer.”
All presenting donors will receive a special Red Cross T-shirt, pace car rides, and be entered into a raffle giveaway, while supplies last. In addition, Power Red donors will receive a Red Cross lunch tote.*
“Our volunteer donors and sponsors, like Atlanta Motor Speedway, are the only source of blood for patients,” said Ronnika A. McFall, external communications manager for the Red Cross Southern Services Region. “We appreciate the Atlanta Motor Speedway team for partnering with us to create this fun tradition of rolling up a sleeve at the track and helping to ensure a stable blood supply.”
Those with types O, A negative and B negative blood are encouraged to make a Power Red donation at this blood drive. Power Red donors give a concentrated dose of red blood cells during a single donation, allowing them to maximize their impact. During this type of donation, red blood cells are separated from other blood components, and the plasma and platelets are safely and comfortably returned to the donor.
Those who come out to give blood or platelets Sept. 1-30 will receive a coupon for a free haircut via email several days after their donation. The coupon is valid through Nov. 11, 2019, at participating Sport Clips locations. Donors must have a valid email address on record to receive the coupon.
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) sponsor code: atlantaspeedway. 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, 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. Pace Car rides are for participants 18 years old or older.