JERSEY CITY, NJ, January 24, 2022 — Elvis Duran and the Morning Show, an American syndicated weekday morning radio program hosted by Elvis Duran, is sponsoring a blood drive to encourage blood donations to help with the nationwide blood crisis.
“In recent weeks, the Red Cross had less than a one-day supply of critical blood types and has had to limit blood product distributions to hospitals,” said Rosie Taravella, CEO, American Red Cross New Jersey Region. “We appreciate Elvis Duran and the Morning Show stepping forward to sponsor a drive and amplify this critical need.”
The community blood drive will take place on Thursday, January 27, from 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. in the Hudson Ballroom of the Hyatt Regency Hotel, 2 Exchange Place, Jersey City, New Jersey. Parking will be validated for all donors at One Parking, located at 10 Exchange Place. Use of the Hudson Ballroom is generously being donated by the Hyatt Regency Hotel.
Blood and platelet donations are critically needed to help prevent further delays in vital medical treatments, and donors of all blood types – especially type O − are asked to schedule an appointment prior to arrival and are required to wear a face covering or mask while at the drive, in alignment with Centers for Disease Control public guidance. To schedule an appointment, visit RedCrossBlood.org and enter sponsor code ELVIS or call 1-800-RED CROSS.
Elvis Duran and the Morning Show is offering presenting donors at the blood drive the chance to win two (2) premium tickets to the 2022 Jingle Ball at Madison Square Garden.
“I am honored that our show can help the Red Cross during this time of critical need,” said Elvis Duran. “Blood is the one thing that we all have in common and in helping with this drive we hope to influence others to get out and give!”
In addition, the Red Cross and the NFL are partnering during National Blood Donor Month to urge individuals to give blood or platelets and help tackle the national blood shortage. Those who come to give blood, platelets or plasma in January will automatically be entered for a chance to win a getaway to Super Bowl LVI in Los Angeles. As an extra thank-you from the Red Cross, those who come to donate will also be automatically entered to win a home theater package and a $500 e-gift card. Terms apply; visit RedCrossBlood.org/SuperBowl for more information.
Blood drive safety
Each Red Cross blood drive and donation center follows the highest standards of safety and infection control, and additional precautions – including face masks for donors and staff, regardless of vaccination status – have been implemented to help protect the health of all those in attendance. Donors are asked to schedule an appointment prior to arriving at the drive.
Save time during donation
Donors can also save up to 15 minutes at the blood drive by completing a RapidPass®. With RapidPass®, donors complete the pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of donation, from a mobile device or computer. To complete a RapidPass®, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Red Cross Blood Donor App.
To donate blood, individuals need to bring a blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification that 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 must meet certain height and weight requirements.
Health insights for donors
At a time when health information has never been more important, the Red Cross is screening all blood, platelet and plasma donations from self-identified African American donors for the sickle cell trait. This additional screening will provide Black donors with an additional health insight and help the Red Cross identify compatible blood types more quickly to help patients with sickle cell disease who require trait-negative blood. Blood transfusion is an essential treatment for those with sickle cell disease, and blood donations from individuals of the same race, ethnicity and blood type have a unique ability to help patients fighting sickle cell disease.
Donors can expect to receive sickle cell trait screening results, if applicable, within one to two weeks through the Red Cross Blood Donor App and the online donor portal at RedCrossBlood.org.
About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, 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 deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.
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*Terms and conditions apply. Additional information and details are available at RedCrossBlood.org/SuperBowl.