District Detroit and American Red Cross to Host Blood Drive at Little Caesars Arena August 9
The following story was originally published on the District Detroit website.
An emergency blood shortage is prompting the American Red Cross, The District Detroit and Meijer Inc. to hold one of the largest blood drives in Michigan at the state-of-the-art Little Caesars Arena on Thursday, August 9. The Red Cross has issued an urgent call for eligible donors of all blood types – especially type O – to give now and help save lives. Blood donations are now being distributed to hospitals faster than they are coming in.
The event will take place in the arena’s 60,000 square foot street-level Via concourse amid the heritage of the Detroit Red Wings and Detroit Pistons. All presenting donors will receive tickets to sporting events, concerts and other giveaways. They will also receive discounts to the arena’s Team Store as well as Mike’s Pizza Bar; Sports & Social Detroit; Kid Rock’s Made in Detroit and the District Market and be entered to win additional prizes such as team autographed items.
“Donating blood is always important. Participating in this setting will also have a fun feel for our volunteers and our donors,” said Beth Frahm, Donor Resource Development Representative, American Red Cross of Southeastern Michigan. “We’d like to thank the entire Ilitch organization and Meijer for supporting our work to help save lives right here in southeastern Michigan.”
The blood drive is one of many community initiatives supported by Ilitch Charities and the Detroit Red Wings Foundation.
“The unique design of Little Caesars Arena makes it a valuable community asset for a wide variety of events in addition to the larger sporting events and concerts,” said Chris Granger, Group President, Sports & Entertainment, Ilitch Holdings, Inc. “We’d like to thank the American Red Cross of Southeastern Michigan for this opportunity to support those in need in our community.”
The District Detroit Blood Drive at Little Caesars Arena Presented by Meijer
- What: One of southeastern Michigan’s largest blood drives
- Who: American Red Cross, The District Detroit and Meijer, Inc.
- Where: Little Caesars Arena
- When: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Thursday, August 9, 2018
- Parking: Parking is available for donors free of charge at the Henry West Garage located at 128 W. Fisher Service Drive
- Additional Information: Registration is required at Redcrossblood.org with the sponsor code LCA313.
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), sponsor code: LCA313 to make an appointment or for more information. 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, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Blood Donor App.
