The 17th annual blood drive will take place at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Centerand Live! Casino & Hotel Philadelphia
PHILADELPHIA, PA — The American Red Cross and 93.3 WMMR are teaming up once again to present the 17th annual “I Bleed for Preston & Steve” blood drive on Friday, June 24, 7 a.m.-7 p.m. The event is sponsored by Recovery Centers of America.
Like last year, the drive is being held at multiple locations to accommodate coronavirus safety measures. Donors can choose to give blood at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center, 100 Station Ave. in Oaks, or at Live! Casino & Hotel Philadelphia, 900 Packer Ave. in Philadelphia.
Donors are asked to schedule an appointment prior to arriving at the drive by visiting RedCrossBlood.org and entering sponsor code WMMR or by calling 1-800-REDCROSS.
All those who come out to donate will receive a free, limited-edition Preston & Steve T-shirt. Donors will receive a free tote bag, courtesy of Window Nation, and can enjoy complimentary juice provided by Everfresh in the post-donation canteen area. WMMR DJs will make appearances at each location throughout the drive and will give away concert tickets and other items to random presenting donors.*
In honor of the new Baz Luhrmann film, Elvis, all who come to give in the month of June will be automatically entered for a chance to win a VIP trip to Graceland for two, including round-trip airfare to Memphis, plus a three-night stay at The Guest House and Elvis Entourage VIP tour, courtesy of Graceland, a custom-wrapped Gibson Epiphone guitar and more. Additionally, those who come to donate June 1-30 will also receive a $5 e-gift card to a merchant of choice.**
As summer nears, blood donations are critically important to maintain a stable blood supply. When schools let out and families set off on vacation, the Red Cross typically sees a decline in donors, often leading to a seasonal blood shortage.
“Summer is always a challenging time for blood collection, and this drive has been essential to maintaining our region’s summer blood supply,” said Guy Triano, CEO, Red Cross Southeastern Pennsylvania Region. “WMMR and the Preston & Steve Show continue to be outstanding Red Cross partners, and we’re grateful for their ongoing support.”
There is no substitute for donated blood. Every day, patients rely on the generosity of blood donors to help them battle illnesses and injuries. Over the past 16 years, 93.3 WMMR listeners have donated more than 17,000 pints of blood, helping up to 50,000 patients and their families.
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. 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.
Blood drive safety
The Red Cross follows a high standard of safety and infection control. The Red Cross will continue to socially distance wherever possible at blood drives, donation centers and facilities. Donors and staff are required to wear a mask in all Philadelphia blood drive locations per local guidance. While donors are no longer required to wear a face mask outside of Philadelphia, individuals may choose to continue to wear a mask for any reason. The Red Cross will also adhere to more stringent face mask requirements at the request of blood drive sponsors. Donors are asked to schedule an appointment prior to arriving at a drive.
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.
*Prizes and gifts are available while supplies last and are not redeemable for cash.
**Terms apply. Visit rcblood.org/elvismovie