Delta Air Lines to help maintain Red Cross blood supply during Trauma Awareness Month

Atlanta United tickets offered to thank all those who come to give at Mercedes-Benz Stadium

ATLANTA (May 11, 2021) — The community is invited to team up with the American Red Cross and Delta Air Lines at the Delta Community Blood Drive Friday, May 21 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

With a goal to collect 100 pints as the summer approaches, the Red Cross encourages eligible donors to give blood and make it a summer full of life for patients in need. So far, the blood drives at Mercedes Benz Stadium have collected 388 pints of blood in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. To date, the stadium has helped the Red Cross collect more than 2,000 pints of blood in total.

All participating donors will receive two tickets to an Atlanta United game, while supplies last.* Plus, those who come to give throughout May will also automatically be entered for a chance to win a travel trailer camper, powered by Suburban Propane. Restrictions apply. Additional information and details are available at RedCrossBlood.org/SummerFullOfLife.

“A person involved in a car accident may need as many as 100 pints of blood. This is why the Red Cross urges donors to give during Trauma Awareness Month in May,” said Ronnika A. McFall, communications manager, Red Cross Georgia Region. “While no one can predict when an accident might happen, donors can help hospitals stay prepared and stocked with blood products. Donors are encouraged to be someone’s lifesaver and schedule a donation appointment now."

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. There is no known end date in this fight against coronavirus, and the Red Cross urgently needs the help of donors and blood drive hosts to ensure blood products are readily available for patients.

Blood drive safety precautions

Each Red Cross blood drive and donation center follows the highest standards of safety and infection control, and additional precautions – including temperature checks, social distancing, and face coverings for donors and staff – have been implemented to ensure the health of all those in attendance. Donors are asked to schedule an appointment prior to arriving at the drive and are required to wear a face-covering or mask while at the drive, in alignment with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention public guidance.

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 enabling 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.

*Offers and items are non-transferable and are not redeemable for cash. Items are available while supplies last.