INDIANAPOLIS – Versiti Blood Center of Indiana is excited to once again partner with the Indianapolis Colts to host the 22nd annual Bleed Blue Blood Drive on Friday, December 17, at Lucas Oil Stadium.
The largest single-day blood drive in the state, Versiti hopes to collect more than 1,000 units of lifesaving blood to help Hoosiers in need.
As a token of gratitude, all attempting donors will receive an exclusive, limited-edition Colts football featuring wide receiver, Michael Pittman Jr., and have exclusive photo opportunities with the Colts Cheerleaders and team mascot, “Blue.”
Donors also will have the chance to win two separate pairs of tickets to the upcoming Fan Appreciation Game at Lucas Oil Stadium on January 2, 2022, against the Las Vegas Raiders.
Free parking is available on-site in the stadium’s South lot.
“Blood supplies nationwide are at historically low levels and an especially troubling sign as we head into the holiday season. Without blood available, patients’ lives could be at risk,” said Penny Schroeder, area vice president and director of donor services at Versiti. “We know that Colts fans are some of the most loyal and dedicated in the country. Bleed Blue is an exciting opportunity to cheer on your team while also giving the gift of lifesaving blood.”
To schedule an appointment to donate blood, call 1-317-916-5150 or visit versiti.org/bleedblue.
Due to the continued impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, Versiti’s mobile blood collections are down more than 16,000 units of blood this year, with more than 4,500 units in Indiana alone. To maintain a three-day supply of lifesaving blood, Versiti needs on average 10,500 donors per week across its footprint, with more than 2,300 needed in Indiana.
Donating blood takes about an hour. Anyone age 17 or older in good health who meets eligibility requirements is encouraged to give. Parental consent is required for donors age 16 to donate blood. Donors should bring a photo ID that includes their birth date.
What will be different this year?
CHILDCARE: Free childcare services will not be offered this year. Donors are asked to not bring additional visitors or family with them during their donation, especially those within a vulnerable population.
ON-FIELD ACTIVITIES: Games and other activities, which have been offered during Bleed Blue in the past, unfortunately, will not be offered this year. Field access will be limited to a single photo opportunity station at which donors can take their own photos.
PRESCREENING REQUIRED: Each donor will be temperature- and symptom-screened before entering the donor area.
MASKS REQUIRED: All donors, guests, volunteers, and Versiti staff and volunteers will be required to wear a mask or facial covering at Bleed Blue. Visitors without a mask or face covering will be given a disposable mask for use.
To ensure everyone’s safety, Versiti employees wear face masks or cloth face coverings and are temperature tested before their shifts. Donors are also temperature tested and prescreened before their donation. All donors are asked to wear their own face covering during their appointment.
