Be part of a lifesaving team and help save lives this holiday season! The American Red Cross and the Cleveland Clinic are partnering for a special blood drive at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse on Tuesday, December 14th from 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Those who are healthy and feeling well are urged to give blood to maintain a stable blood supply for patients who rely on lifesaving transfusions, especially throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

The winter months can be among the most challenging times of year for the Red Cross to collect enough blood donations. Many donors are busy with holiday activities, and inclement weather can force the cancellation of blood drives. Additionally, some donors become temporarily ineligible because of seasonal illnesses.

To date, at 12 blood drives held at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse since March 2020, 1,004 pints of blood were collected to help save more than 3,000 lives.

Presenting donors will receive a commemorative t-shirt, free Cleveland Monsters and Cleveland Charge tickets and an exclusive Cleveland Cavaliers ticket offer. Donors will also be entered into a raffle to win an autographed Cavaliers item.

The Red Cross strongly encourages donors to schedule an appointment before showing up to donate so that the flow of donors can be appropriately managed in alignment with social distancing protocols. However, walk-ins will be accommodated throughout the day. To sign up for an appointment, go to RedCrossBlood.org and enter sponsor code: ROCKET or call 1-800-RED-CROSS.

The Red Cross strongly encourages donors to schedule an appointment before showing up to donate so that the flow of donors can be appropriately managed in alignment with social distancing protocols. However, walk-ins will be accommodated throughout the day. To sign up for an appointment, go to RedCrossBlood.org and enter sponsor code: ROCKET or call 1-800-RED-CROSS.

Free street parking is available in the Gateway Complex on East 6th and Eagle Avenue (one-hour parking restrictions not in place for blood drive). Donors should enter Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse through the Cleveland-Cliffs Entrance on the corner of East 6th and Huron Rd. All donors and staff will be required to wear a mask inside of Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse.

COVID-19 Vaccine and Blood Donor Eligibility Information: The Red Cross is following FDA blood donation eligibility guidance for those who receive a COVID-19 vaccination, and deferral times may vary depending on the type of vaccine an individual receives. But there’s no deferral time if a donor receives the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine. If a donor has received a COVID-19 vaccine, they will need to provide the manufacturer name when they donate. Upon vaccination, individuals should receive a card or printout indicating what COVID-19 vaccine was received, and The Red Cross encourage donors to bring that card to their next donation. More information can be found here.

How to donate blood: Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org and enter sponsor code ROCKET 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 emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.