Cleveland, Oh. (Aug. 9, 2023) — The American Red Cross, Cleveland Clinic and Cuyahoga County Division of Children and Family Services are coming together to host a Back-to-School blood drive at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse Wednesday, Aug. 16 from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Limited free street parking is available on East 6th and West Eagle Ave. and donors should enter at the Cleveland-Cliffs entrance on East 6th St.

The Cleveland Cavaliers will match the amount of dollars raised for each pint of blood collected that will earn $10 towards school supplies for the Division of Children and Family Services. Also, all who come to donate will receive a Cleveland Clinic chalkboard mug, two Mitchell’s Ice Cream scoop certificates, special refreshments, a $10 e-gift card to a movie merchant of your choice, a Red Cross gift and a chance to win great prizes. Donors will also receive an exclusive ticket offer for Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey presents The Greatest Show On Earth coming to Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse, October 6-8.

The Red Cross has seen a decline in donations throughout the summer, which makes it hard to keep hospital shelves stocked with lifesaving blood products. Right now, the Red Cross especially needs type O negative, type O positive and type B negative blood donors to step up to help. Trauma patients, transplant recipients and those undergoing cancer treatment are depending on the generosity of blood donors.

To make an appointment to give at this blood drive, download the free Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org and enter code “ROCKET”, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enable the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device.

How to donate blood:
Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enable the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. 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, before arriving at the blood drive. To get started, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Blood Donor App.

About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.