Brought to you by WBIW News and Network Indiana
Last updated on Wednesday, July 12, 2017
(MITCHELL) - This summer, the American Red Cross and Cedar Fair theme parks are partnering to offer a free Cedar Fair park ticket to those who come out to donate blood at select blood drives.
Donors who give on Monday, July 24 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Mitchell Church of Christ, 1004 Main St., in Mitchell, will receive one park ticket, while supplies last.
They can also enter to win one of three grand prize packages for four to Knott's Berry Farm in California or Cedar Point in Ohio. This event is also supported by Mitchell High School.
All those who come to donate at this blood drive on July 24 will receive one free ticket, valid for entry to participating U.S. Cedar Fair parks, including Cedar Point, Kings Island and others, while supplies last. Tickets are valid for the 2017 season, and other restrictions may apply.
Now through Sept. 4, donors can also visit redcrossblood.org/cedarfair to enter to win a grand prize package and take advantage of an exclusive ticket offer that gives $2 of each ticket purchased online back to the Red Cross.
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 and platelet donations are especially needed during the summer months when donations slow due to summer vacations and travel among regular donors," said Rodney Wilson, communications manager for the Red Cross Indiana Ohio Blood Services Region. "Thanks to the support of Cedar Fair, donors can help save lives and have the time of their lives at a Cedar Fair theme park."
The partnership with Cedar Fair includes 12 parks across the U.S. with a goal of recruiting donors during the challenging summer months when blood donations typically decrease.
"Even the most committed donors can forget to make time to give blood during the busy summer season," said Wilson. "Hopefully, the opportunity to receive a free amusement park ticket will remind people to make summer blood donation a priority."
Appointments for this blood drive are strongly encouraged. You can make an appointment by going to redcrossblood.org, calling 1-800- RED CROSS, or downloading the Red Cross Blood Donor App.
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 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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