The American Red Cross and NFL are teaming up this January, during National Blood Donor Month, to urge individuals – especially those who have recovered from COVID-19 – to give blood and to help tackle the national convalescent plasma shortage.

During this critical time, those who come to donate blood or platelets this January will be automatically entered to win two tickets to next year’s Super Bowl LVI in Los Angeles.* In addition, those who come to give Jan. 1-20 will also be automatically entered to win a 65-inch television and a $500 gift card.**

Individuals can schedule an appointment to give blood today with the American Red Cross by visiting RedCrossBlood.org, using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, calling 1-800-RED-CROSS or activating the Blood Scheduling Skill for Amazon Alexa.

“Blood and plasma donors who have recovered from COVID-19 may have the power to help critically ill patients currently battling the virus,” said Dr. Erin Goodhue, Red Cross medical director of clinical services. “With hospital distributions for convalescent plasma increasing about 250% since October, these generous donations are vital in helping to save lives throughout the winter – a time that is often challenging to collect enough blood products for those in need.”

As COVID-19 cases have risen across the U.S., so has the need for convalescent plasma – leading to a shortage of this potentially lifesaving blood product. COVID-19 survivors have a unique ability to make a game-changing difference in the lives of COVID-19 patients. Individuals who have recovered from COVID-19 may have antibodies in their plasma that could provide a patient’s immune system the boost it needs to beat the virus.

How those recovered from COVID-19 can help

There are two ways COVID-19 survivors can help – through a convalescent plasma donation or by simply giving whole blood. Plasma from whole blood donations that test positive for COVID-19 antibodies may be used to help COVID-19 patients. Health emergencies don’t pause for holidays, game days or a pandemic – blood is needed every two seconds in the U.S. to help patients battling injury and illness.

Blood donation safety precautions

To protect the health and safety of Red Cross staff and donors, individuals who do not feel well or who believe they may be ill with COVID-19 should postpone their donation.

Each Red Cross blood drive and donation center follows the highest standards of safety and infection control, and additional precautions – including temperature checks, social distancing and face coverings for donors and staff – have been implemented to help protect the health of all those in attendance. Donors are asked to schedule an appointment prior to arriving at the drive. Donors must wear a face covering or mask while at the drive, in alignment with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention public guidance.

About blood donation

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.

* Terms and conditions apply. Additional information and details are available at https://www.redcrossblood.org/local-homepage/events/super_bowl.html

** Terms and conditions apply. Additional information and details are available at https://www.redcrossblood.org/local-homepage/events/super_bowl.html


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9 Comments

  1. Michael VanDinter Sr. January 7, 2021 at 18:28

    I take 35 medications for my diabetes, heart, blood pressure, high cholesterol, and more chronic illnesses, do
    es the Red Cross filter out meds so that i can donate? I had Covid on Nov 27,2020 and should have antibodies in my blood and it would be a shame to waste it.

  2. Marti Hendrickson January 7, 2021 at 16:32

    So I gave blood to LifeSouth Community Blood Center’s mobile unit a few days prior to Christmas Day. Do I have to go give blood to the Red Cross, too? Or can just being a donor get you into this program, too?!

  3. John Rickman January 6, 2021 at 19:29

    They would have a lot more donors if they would allow those of us who spent time in Germany in the 1970’s give blood. It doesn’t seem logical that Mad Cow disease would linger in our blood for 45 years.

  4. Jim Neal January 6, 2021 at 19:23

    What if the Red Cross won’t take my blood per where I was stationed in the Army? am I still eligible for this program??

  5. Dick McMains January 6, 2021 at 19:12

    Why would anyone who willing put his or her life on the line be willing to provide any way or means to have any dealing however remote with the NFL?

  6. Linwood Snell January 6, 2021 at 18:47

    I fully support blood donations, but do not know why any of us would want Super Bowl tickets. My wife and I, who both love football, have stopped watching all pro football games. They did it to themselves.

  7. Jim Bishop January 6, 2021 at 18:23

    Am scheduled to give blood Jan. 14 See you at Lambeau!

  8. David Fields January 6, 2021 at 18:12

    Yes except all those who served in Germany who potentially have mad cow disease can’t give blood so well I guess there’s no Super Bowl tickets for us

  9. Joachim JERNANDER January 6, 2021 at 18:08

    I would never do anything for the NFL.

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