The American Red Cross and the Idaho Steelheads are teaming up for the second annual Blood and Ice blood drive on Dec. 17 at CenturyLink Arena. Fans who donate blood that day will receive two tickets to an upcoming Steelheads game.
Idaho Steelheads fans can score the ultimate hat trick on Dec. 17 when they donate through the American Red Cross – they can help save lives, support their community and receive two tickets to an upcoming Steelheads game, while supplies last.
The second annual Blood and Ice blood drive runs from noon to 6 p.m. at the SportsZone at CenturyLink Arena, 245 S. Capitol Blvd. In thanks, all those who come to donate blood with the Red Cross from Nov. 25-Dec. 19, 2018, will receive a $5 Amazon.com Gift Card via email. Restrictions apply, see amazon.com/gc-legal. Additional information and details are available at RedCrossBlood.org/Together.
“It’s a critical time of the year for blood donations,” said Nicole Sirak Irwin, regional CEO of the Red Cross of Greater Idaho and Montana. “Donations often decline during December, especially around the holidays. However, the need for blood remains constant. Steelheads fans will have the opportunity to help make sure hospital shelves stay stocked and patients get the blood they need by making a donation.”
The Red Cross currently has an urgent need for blood donors to give now to ensure blood is available for medical treatments and emergencies during the holiday season. Donations often decline during the winter holidays when many groups postpone blood drives while regular donors are busy with holiday activities and travel. Severe winter weather may also cause blood drive cancellations contributing to fewer donations than needed.
Blood and platelet donations are needed every day for patients with many serious medical conditions. Accident and burn victims, heart surgery patients, organ transplant patients and those receiving treatment for leukemia, cancer or sickle cell disease may all need blood.
To make an appointment, download the Red Cross Blood Donor app, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) and use sponsor code Steelheads.
How to donate blood
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 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.
