Blood drive to take place during second annual BFit First Responder Challenge
The American Red Cross is teaming up with the Boston Bruins and Boston Bruins Foundation to help stop the urgent need for blood donations with a special blood drive Sunday, January 28, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the BFit First Responder Challenge.
During the blood drive, presenting donors are encouraged to show their support for hundreds of first responders from all over Massachusetts competing in the unique obstacle course through the TD Garden. The First Responder Challenge raises money for The Hundred Club Inc., a charity that supports the families of police officers and firefighters who are killed in the line of duty.
Presenting donors will also receive free parking in the TD Garden garage, a chance to win Boston Bruins memorabilia, and a $5 DD Card from Dunkin’ Donuts.
This blood drive comes as the Red Cross faces a winter blood shortage. Winter storms this month have forced many blood drives to cancel causing thousands of blood and platelet donations to go uncollected. Blood donations are urgently needed now so patients can continue to receive the lifesaving treatments they need. Right now, blood products are being distributed to hospitals as fast as they are coming in.
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.