Donate Blood Now for a Chance to Save Lives and Win Super Bowl Tickets

ZANESVILLE, OH – The American Red Cross is urging people to roll up their sleeves and donate blood or platelets to help replenish the nation’s supply.

Recent severe weather has caused over 400 blood drive cancellations this month, creating an urgent need for donors. The Red Cross is especially calling for donors with type O negative blood to help save lives. Blood donations are critical for trauma patients, surgeries, and ongoing medical treatments.

“Emergencies require blood transfusions. If someone’s in a car accident, or a house fire, or whatever it might be, whenever they’re receiving medical attention, a lot of times they’re going to need a blood transfusion. With that blood being on the shelves whenever they need is vitally important to make sure that those people have what they need to survive whatever situations they find themselves in,” Regional Communications Manager for the American Red Cross Central and Southern Ohio Region Don Hawkins said.

The Red Cross also reminds donors that giving blood is a simple and safe process, typically taking less than an hour. Donors who step up now through January 26th will be entered into a drawing to win tickets to the Super Bowl.

“If you donate now through the 26th, you’re entered into a drawing to win a trip to the Super Bowl for two. So, make your appointment now, go out and give blood, and you might find yourself in warmer conditions pretty soon to watch the Super Bowl,” Hawkins said.

To schedule an appointment to donate, you can visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800- RED CROSS.

Schedule a Blood, Platelet or Plasma Donation | American Red Cross