Reviewed by: Pat Byington
Help save lives at the Home Run Hero blood drive at Regions Field, July 19 & 20
Reading time: 4 minutes
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You can help save lives this July by donating blood at the Home Run Hero Blood Drive, hosted at Regions Field on July 19 and 20. The Birmingham Barons are teaming up with the American Red Cross to help meet the never-ending demand for blood donations, and they need your support.
Schedule your appointment by visiting RedCrossBlood.org and enter sponsor code Barons, calling 1-800-RED CROSS or downloading the Blood Donor App.
Why are Blood Donations so important?
Here’s a not-so-fun-fact. Every two seconds, someone in the United States needs blood. Whether its accident and burn victims, patients undergoing organ transplants or receiving treatment for a variety of diseases, blood is always in high demand.
Unfortunately, although there is always a need for blood, the American Red Cross typically sees blood supplies decline during the summer months. Regular volunteers might be out of town for vacation, busy watching kids out on break or simply not want to brave the Alabama summer heat!
Whatever the reason, the nationwide need for blood during the summer is critical—so the American Red Cross has teamed up with the Birmingham Barons to host a blood drive at Regions Field!
What to expect during the Blood Donation Process
Are you a newcomer to donating blood? Are you nervous about the needle? Don’t worry, you aren’t alone. Giving blood can feel scary, even to experienced donors. Luckily, each donor is in excellent hands with the volunteers of the American Red Cross.
After you arrive and complete the sign in process, you’ll be asked to fill out a form about your health history. At this time, a Red Cross volunteer will check your temperature, pulse, blood pressure and hemoglobin level.
Next, it’s time for the blood donation. Fun fact: On average, the entire blood donation process will take about an hour from the time to arrive until the time you leave, and the blood donation itself will only take around eight to ten minutes.
Red Cross volunteers will direct you to sit or lay down, and will cleanse an area on your arm for the donation. When you’re ready, the volunteer will insert a brand new sterile needle for the blood draw—it will feel like a slight pinch, and will be over in seconds.
Tip from the author: When I give blood, I look away right before they insert the needle. Try it—it really helps!
After your blood donation is complete, the Red Cross Phlebotomist will remove the needle and place a bandage on your arm. Finally, they ask that you remain in the refreshment area for ten to 15 minutes after donating. Don’t worry, there will be plenty of snacks and refreshments!
Click here to learn more about the blood donation process with the American Red Cross.
Be a “Home Run Hero” on July 19 & 20
- What: Home Run Hero Blood Drive
- When: Tuesday, July 19 and Wednesday, July 20 from 11AM to 6PM
- Where: Regions Field Banquet Room | 1400 1st Avenue South, Birmingham AL 35233
Ready to make an impact? Visit RedCrossBlood.org and enter sponsor code Barons, call 1-800-RED CROSS or download the Blood Donor App to schedule your appointment today!
Parking Tip: Reserved parking for donors will be located on the corner of 3rd Avenue South and 14th Street South in the VIP Parking Lot.
Being a Home Run Hero has its perks, you know. All presenting blood donors will receive a FREE t-shirt (pictured above) and two tickets to an upcoming baseball game at Regions Field. Now that’s what I call a home-run!
Planning to donate blood at the Home Run Hero Blood Drive? Tag us @bhamnow and @americanredcross in all your post-donation selfies!
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