Blood Donors Could Win Trip to Super Bowl

The American Red Cross and the NFL are partnering this January, during National Blood Donor Month, to invite football fans and blood donors to join their lifesaving team and score big for patients in need. 

The American Red Cross says the national blood supply has reached a crisis level with less than a one-day supply in many areas, the worst such supply crisis in more than a decade.

The Red Cross says the dangerously low blood supply levels are posing risks to patient care and forcing doctors to make difficult decisions about who receives blood transfusions and who will need to wait until more products become available. In recent weeks, the Red Cross had less than a one-day supply of critical blood types and has had to limit blood product distributions to hospitals. At times, as much as one-quarter of hospital blood needs are not being met.

Blood and platelet donations are critically needed to help prevent further delays in vital medical treatments, and donors of all blood types – especially type O − are urged to make an appointment now to give in the weeks ahead.

Winter weather and COVID have both lowered donations. The Red Cross says the pandemic has caused about a 10% loss in donors and a roughly 62% drop in blood drives at schools and colleges. Over the next month, about 74% of donation appointments remain unfilled in the region.

This month, the Red Cross will enter those who donate blood, platelets or plasma in a drawing for a chance to win a getaway to Super Bowl LVI in Los Angeles. Those who donate will also be automatically entered to win a home theater package and a $500 e-gift card.

To be entered in the drawing, make an appointment to give blood or platelets by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

KPGZ News - Brian Watts contributed to this story