The Times Herald (Norristown, PA)
‘I Bleed for Preston & Steve’ at Valley Forge casino WMMR’s 13th annual blood drive expected to draw more than 1,300 donors
UPPER MERION » The American Red Cross and 93.3 WMMR are teaming up for the 13th annual “I Bleed for Preston & Steve” blood drive on Saturday, June 16 at the Valley Forge Casino Resort Event Center, 1160 First Ave. in King of Prussia.
Appointments are required and are available between 6 a.m.-2 p.m. To schedule a donation appointment, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-REDCROSS and enter sponsor code WMMR. For information, visit rdcrss.org/2r5bOVk.
Presenting donors will have the opportunity to meet members of the Preston & Steve morning show and will receive a free limited-edition Preston & Steve T-shirt, while supplies last. WMMR will also give away concert tickets to random presenting donors throughout the day. Prizes and gifts are not redeemable for cash.
Over the past 12 years of partnership, WMMR and the Red Cross have collected more than 13,800 pints of blood, which potentially helped more than 41,400 patients. More than 1,300 donors are expected to come out to donate blood during the June 16 drive.
“I Bleed for Preston & Steve” is the largest blood drive in the Penn Jersey Blood Services Region and is the second largest single-day blood drive in the United States.
“This drive has become a highly anticipated event for our region and serves as a critical kickoff to summer—a time when blood donations historically decrease because of vacations and schools being out of session,” said Alana Mauger, external communications manager, Red Cross Penn Jersey Blood Services Region. “The demand for blood doesn’t take a vacation. Our region must collect close to 800 units of blood and platelets every day to meet patient need regardless of the season.”
Blood cannot be manufactured. Healthy, volunteer blood donors are the only source of blood and platelets for those in need of transfusions. Volunteer blood donors of all types— particularly O negative, A negative and B negative are needed to help maintain a stable blood supply this summer.
How to donate blood
Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) 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.
For Digital First Media
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.