TEMPE — This Shark Week, individuals can help save lives and get closer to sharks and other marine life with the American Red Cross at the SEA LIFE Arizona Aquarium Shark Week Blood Drive on Sunday, July 23, from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., at 5000 S. Arizona Mills Circle. Those who come out to donate will receive a ticket for free admission to the aquarium, while supplies last.
This blood drive comes when the Red Cross is facing a critical blood shortage and is issuing an emergency call for donors of all types to give now so patients can continue to receive the lifesaving treatments they need. Blood products are being distributed to hospitals faster than donations are coming in, and more donations are needed now to replenish the blood supply.
“Blood donations are important throughout the year, but are especially needed now as the Red Cross faces a critical summer blood shortage,” said Christine Welch, communications manager, Red Cross Arizona Blood Services Region. “Giving blood is a simple way to help overcome the blood emergency and ensure patients continue receive lifesaving care throughout the summer.”
Every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood, including trauma patients, heart surgery and organ transplant patients, and those receiving treatment for leukemia, cancer or sickle cell disease. There is no substitute for blood, and volunteer donors are the only source.
How to donate blood:
To make an appointment or for more information, simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) and use the sponsor code sealife.
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 donors can now 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, prior to arriving at the blood drive. To get started and learn more, visit redcrossblood.org/RapidPass and follow the instructions on the site.
