Atlanta Motor Speedway and the American Red Cross are collecting urgently needed blood donations during the “Drive For Life Blood Drive” on September 11.
Hurricane Dorian has forced the cancellation of nearly two dozen Red Cross blood drives and donation centers in Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina resulting in more than 550 uncollected blood and platelet donations. The American Red Cross is urging eligible individuals in unaffected areas to give blood or platelets to ensure a sufficient blood supply for patients.
“Disasters can strike at any time and blood donors can help hospitals be prepared should an emergency occur,” said Ronnika A. McFall, external communications manager of the Red Cross Southern Blood Services Region. “It’s the blood on the shelves that helps save lives in an emergency.”
Atlanta Motor Speedway and the American Red Cross are racing to save lives and collect blood donations during the “Drive For Life Blood Drive” on September 11.
The Drive For Life Blood Drive is an opportunity to do just that, with donation times available between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. in the Marcy Scott Media Center, located in the Speedway’s infield.
“Atlanta Motor Speedway is always looking for opportunities to help our community,” said AMS Executive Vice President and General Manager Brandon Hutchison. “When the American Red Cross told us about the urgent need for blood, partnering with them and offering our support to get life-saving donations was a no-brainer.”
All donors will receive a Red Cross T-Shirt, all donors 18 and over will be given a pace car ride around Atlanta Motor Speedway’s famous 1.54-mile oval, and donors will be entered into a raffle giveaway of prizes including 2020 NASCAR weekend race tickets.
“Our volunteer donors and sponsors, like Atlanta Motor Speedway, are the only source of blood for patients,” said McFall. “We appreciate the Atlanta Motor Speedway team for partnering with us to create this fun tradition of rolling up a sleeve at the track and helping to ensure a stable blood supply.”
To donate please visit RedCrossBlood.org and enter sponsor code “atlantaspeedway” and choose the donation time that works best for you. Registration can also be completed by calling 1-800-RED CROSS or by using the Blood Donor App.
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