Washington, D.C. - D.C. United announced today they will host a blood drive in partnership with the American Red Cross before the Houston Dynamo game this Saturday, May 26. The drive will begin at 9 a.m. and run until 4 p.m. Kick-off for the match is set for 7:30 p.m. with tickets available via all TicketMaster outlets or through www.dcunited.com
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"It's not often that we are able to provide donation opportunities this personal or meaningful," said Aprile Pritchet, Community Relations Coordinator. "Through our relationship with the American Red Cross, we're hopeful that our game-day blood drive makes it easy for our faithful fans to help us save lives."
All those who participate will receive a limited edition Red Cross t-shirt, a Buy One Get One Free ticket voucher, and will be entered into a raffle for a ball signed by the entire team. To schedule an appointment, call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE. The drive will be hosted in the Media Room of RFK Stadium and can be accessed through the Gate A/Administrative Offices entrance; parking will be available in Lot 8A.
"As the holiday weekend approaches, the American Red Cross is expecting a significant decline in blood donations," said Katie McGuire of the American Red Cross. "At the same time, increased holiday travel means more people may be involved in accidents and require transfusions. In order to prevent a critical blood shortage, we urge all eligible donors to schedule a blood donation appointment for this May 26 drive with D.C. United. The American Red Cross thanks D.C. United and its fans for their support during this critical time."
American Red Cross
WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO GIVE BLOOD? DONORS MUST:
• Be generally in good health;
• Be at least 17 year of age, or in the state of Maryland only, 16 years of age with written parental consent;
• Weigh no less than 110 pounds;
• Have NOT received a tattoo within the past year;
• Have NOT donated whole blood within the past 56 days.
Donating blood is an easy process that takes about an hour of time. Whole blood donors are eligible to give every 56 days and each blood donation can help save up to three lives. The GC & P Region strives to collect over 1,000 units of blood each day for distribution to over 65 hospitals, including 10 major trauma centers.
