CHARLOTTE, N.C. (PRWEB)
September 01, 2020

While coronavirus cases continue to increase across the country, blood drives are being canceled at an alarming rate as businesses, schools and community organizations remain closed. Because about 80% of blood donations are made at drives hosted by these groups, the Red Cross urgently needs the help of both blood donors and blood drive hosts to ensure blood products are readily available for patients.

Those interested can participate donate blood at the Hilton Garden Inn located at 9315 Statesville Rd. in Charlotte on Sunday, September 6 with appointments available between 10:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m. The drive is sponsored in part by the annual Carolina Renaissance Festival with the first 100 processed donors, walk-in or registered, being registered to receive a free admission ticket to the 2021 Carolina Renaissance Festival. And all presenting donors will be registered to receive a buy-one, get-one free admission coupon to the 2021 Festival. Donors will also receive a free haircut coupon courtesy of Sport Clips Haircuts and a pair of Red Cross branded socks. Prizes and gifts are not redeemable for cash and available while supplies last.

“The Red Cross relies on blood drive partners like the Carolina Renaissance Festival to help ensure a stable blood supply,” said Maya Franklin, external communications manager, Greater Carolinas Blood Services Region. “Despite the village of Fairhaven being closed this year, our partners at the Carolina Renaissance Festival remain committed to helping patients in need, whether battling disease or facing the unexpected. We are grateful to the festival organizers for partnering with us during this pandemic.”

Blood drive safety precautions:

Donors are asked to schedule an appointment prior to arriving at the drive and are required to wear a face covering or mask while at the drive, in alignment with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention public guidance.

Each Red Cross blood drive and donation center follows the highest standards of safety and infection control, and additional precautions – including temperature checks, social distancing and face coverings for donors and staff – 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 and are required to wear a face covering or mask while at the drive, in alignment with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention public guidance.  

How to donate blood:

For more information and to make an appointment to donate, download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit https://www.redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). Donors of all blood types are needed. 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 (16 with parental consent in Pennsylvania), 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.

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.

About the American Red Cross:

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 redcross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.

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