Find a Blood Drive
Find a Blood Drive
Donate blood on Aug. 30 in quest to reach the 5,000-pint milestone
GREEN BAY, Wis. (Aug. 10, 2016) — On Tuesday, Aug. 30, the American Red Cross is teaming up with the Green Bay Packers to host the Green Bay Packers “Drive for 5” Blood Drive from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Lambeau Field – Legends Club Room. Help the Packers move the chains to the milestone goal of 5,000 pints collected. NBC26 will be onsite the day of the drive and will provide information and reminders to help the Red Cross promote it.
As excitement already mounts for another football season in Green Bay, it’s important to remember that Packers fans are needed during this preseason to help save lives. With the goal line in sight, donors are needed to help the Packers move the chains to the milestone of 5,000 pints collected, and a potential of thousands of lives touched while helping patients in need.
This blood drive comes at an important time of year. Blood donations are being distributed to hospitals faster than donations are coming in. Blood and platelet donations often decline during the summer months when busy summer schedules and vacation plans can cause some donors to be less available to give. The summer months are among the most challenging times of the year to collect enough blood and platelet donations to meet patient needs. Many regular donors delay giving while they participate in summer activities. But, the need for blood remains constant all summer long.
Paul DeCaster, of Ashwaubenon, Wis., had not been to see a doctor for several years since his regular doctor had moved to Colorado. A checkup with his new doctor revealed that Paul’s aorta coming out of top of his heart was enlarged – he had an aortic aneurysm. In June 2011, he had surgery in which the doctor put in a piece of artificial fabric – a Dacron hose - to repair his ascending aortic aneurysm.
“I received several units of blood before I went home; I was in the hospital for three days,” DeCaster said. “Thankfully those units were available. But that is what this experience taught me: If you didn’t have access to blood, and the Red Cross hadn’t done such a great job collecting, I don’t know if I would have survived or not. Most people don’t realize that or think about how important it is to have blood available. I realized how important blood is to people, and then how important donating is. Also what an amazing job the Red Cross does, not only in Green Bay, but nationwide to help people.”
DeCaster has a message for people who do not donate. “Seriously consider donating – not only for yourself – but for friends or family members who might need it.”
All presenting donors will have a chance to win great prizes from the Packers, while supplies last, and will be treated to cookies and punch. Free parking will be available to all presenting donors. Donors may enter through the American Family Gate, Miller Lite Gate or Oneida Nation Gate.
Green Bay Packers “Drive for 5” Blood Drive
Tuesday, Aug. 30
7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Lambeau Field – Legends Club Room
1265 Lombardi Ave., Green Bay
How to donate blood
Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org and use the sponsor code “PACKERS” or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to make an appointment or to obtain more information.
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 (16 with parental consent in some states), 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.
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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