American Red Cross offers new incentive for donors, seeks drive hosts
Jul 28, 2020, 4:15 AM
(Getty Images/Win McNamee)
(Getty Images/Win McNamee)
PHOENIX — The American Red Cross is offering a new incentive for blood donors and is seeking hosts for future drives.
The organization is offering $5 Amazon gift cards for those who give blood between Aug. 1 and Sept. 3.
Donors who give blood by Aug. 31 will also be entered into a drawing to win a trip for four to Cedar Point or Knott’s Berry Farm.
“The American Red Cross is urging healthy individuals to give blood to restock the shelves for patients battling disease and facing the unexpected,” the organization said in a press release.
Red Cross has been asking for increased blood donations during the coronavirus pandemic.
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The organization also needs blood drive hosts this fall to help ensure a stable supply since 80% of donations occur at blood drives.
Those wanting to make an appointment can do so by downloading the free Blood Donor app, visiting the Red Cross website, by phone at 1-800-733-2767 or enabling the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device.
There is no known coronavirus-related risk in donating blood. The virus is airborne, so it does not travel through the blood stream.
“There is no known end date in this fight against coronavirus and while cases increase across the country, blood drives continue to be canceled at an alarming rate as many businesses, schools and community organizations remain closed,” Red Cross said.
