Every day, the American Red Cross must collect about 12,000 blood donations to meet the needs of trauma patients and others with serious medical conditions. During trauma awareness month in May, the American Red Cross and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway invite people to roll up a sleeve to give blood during a two-day blood drive. When every second counts, blood products can help provide lifesaving care.

The community is invited to help save lives by making an appointment to give blood on Wednesday, May 7, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Red Cross Office in Indianapolis located at 1510 North Meridian Street and Friday, May 9, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the North Chalet of the Plaza Village at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway located at 4790 West 16th Street. All presenting donors on Wednesday, May 7, will receive free admission and a garage pass valid on Fast Friday, May 16. Donors who sign up in advance to give blood on Friday, May 9, will receive a hospitality pass giving them free entry into IMS and will receive a garage pass valid for Friday, May 9, after their donation appointment. Donors with appointments on May 9 will be contacted to make arrangements to pick up their hospitality pass before their appointment.

To make an appointment, please call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit RedCrossBlood.org and enter sponsor code “indycar.”

All who come to give May 1-18, 2025, will get a $20 e-gift card to a merchant of choice. Plus, throughout May, those who come to give will be automatically entered to win a U.S. trip of choice for two. For details, visit RedCrossBlood.org/May.

MAY IS TRAUMA AWARENESS MONTH Every two seconds, someone in the United States needs blood. During emergencies or trauma situations, it’s the blood already on the shelves that helps save lives. While no one can predict when an accident might happen, donors can help hospitals stay prepared and stocked with blood products.

How to donate blood

Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enable the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device 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, before arriving at the blood drive. To get started, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Blood Donor App.

Thank you to Fox 59 WXIN-TV for their partnership and support in bringing awareness about the importance of blood donation.

About the American Red Cross Indiana Region:
The American Red Cross of Indiana Region serves 6.9 million people in 104 counties in Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky and Ohio through its chapters: Northeast, Northwest, Southeast, Southwest, and Greater Indianapolis (Regional Headquarters). 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 us at Redcross.org/Indiana or follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @indianaredcross.