In the summer, blood donation is typically not top of mind, as people travel and enjoy the summer weather. The need for blood is constant and, in the summer, and always there is a need to maintain the lifesaving blood supply. The American Red Cross invites eligible donors to roll up a sleeve during the 7th Annual Brookfield Zoo Blood Drive Tuesday, August 16, 2022, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Brookfield Zoo Discovery Center, 3300 Golf Road, in Brookfield.

As a thank you, all pre-registered blood donors will receive free general zoo admission the day of the drive for one adult and up to two children, plus free parking in the Discovery Center Parking Lot; walk-in blood donors will receive a ticket for free zoo admission on a return visit. Additionally, blood donors will receive a $10 gift card to a merchant of their choice via email, courtesy of Suburban Propane. Please enter through the South Gate entrance, (located at 3300 Golf Rd.) Show your confirmation to the gate attendant and follow the signs to the Discovery Center Parking Lot for free parking.

This blood drive comes as the Red Cross faces the constant need for blood donors to give now to help avoid delays in lifesaving medical care for patients this summer.

“The blood drive at Brookfield Zoo is a great opportunity for people to come out to both enjoy the zoo and help the community by donating blood,” said Celena Roldán, chief executive officer of the Red Cross of Greater Chicago. “We encourage anyone who can donate to join us at this summer blood drive. Summer months are among the most challenging times of the year for collecting blood as regular donors delay giving while they vacation and participate in seasonal activities, yet patients are always counting on the generosity of blood donors to keep replenishing the life-saving supply.”

Donated blood may be used to help accident victims, surgery patients, organ transplant patients, and those receiving treatment for leukemia, cancer, or sickle cell disease. There is no substitute for donated blood products. Each day, the Red Cross must collect more than 13,000 blood donations to meet the needs of patients at approximately 2,500 hospitals across the country.

Eligible donors with types O, A negative and B negative blood are urged 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.

How to register to donate blood:
Simply download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org and enter sponsor code: BrookfieldZoo or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to make an appointment or for more information. 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 and platelet 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, from a computer or mobile device. 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 visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.

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