Find a Blood Drive
Find a Blood Drive
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (Feb. 25, 2019) — The community is invited to kick off the NTT IndyCar Series race season by helping save lives with former IndyCar Series driver and team owner Sarah Fisher at a special American Red Cross Blood Drive which serves as a Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg race viewing party. The event is Sunday, March 10, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Speedway Indoor Karting with a goal to collect 30 blood donations. The Grand Prix is the first race of the 2019 IndyCar Series.
Those who come to this blood drive can meet Sarah Fisher, receive a $10 discount for karting on the indoor go-kart track and enjoy the Florida race on the big screen.
In 2015, Sarah realized how important blood donations are when her good friend and fellow IndyCar driver James Hinchcliffe suffered severe injuries after a crash during practice at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. He needed 22 pints of blood to survive, about twice an average person’s blood volume. Fisher was one of the first people to line up to give blood in his honor, and she continues to give today.
“I started giving blood many years ago, but you still never think about someone you know needing it,” said Fisher. “After watching what Hinch went through, I’m happy to do whatever I can to promote blood donation with the Red Cross. It literally helps save lives, and maybe even someone you know.”
Accidents like the one Hinchcliffe suffered are a reminder of how fragile the blood supply can be. “Blood is needed for ongoing and emergency medical situations every single day, but not nearly enough people are giving,” said Cameron Branock, donor recruitment manager for the Red Cross. “We need people to give blood today in order to be prepared for the accidents that will happen tomorrow or in the coming days.”
This blood drive is the first of a series of Red Cross blood drives supported by Hinchcliffe this year as part of a national campaign with the American Red Cross. Hinchcliffe will host his own blood drive May 20 at IMS. Those who give blood at the March 10 drive may be eligible to donate again for the May 20 drive. The public can join the online conversation about these events by using the hashtag #RaceToSaveLives.
The Red Cross depends on blood donor heroes across the nation to collect enough blood to meet the needs of patients at approximately 2,500 hospitals nationwide. In Indiana alone, the Red Cross needs about 450 donors each day to support patients at 80 hospitals across the state. Donors of all blood types are needed to help those who rely on blood products.
Speedway Indoor Karting Blood Drive with Sarah Fisher
Sunday, March 10, 2019
11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
1067 N. Main St., Speedway, IN 46224
To schedule an appointment: RedCrossBlood.org or 1-800-RED CROSS, sponsor code hinchcliffehundred
How to donate blood
Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to make an appointment or for 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 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 and platelet donors can 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, from a computer or mobile device. 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.