Again this year, the Columbus Blue Jackets and the American Red Cross are partnering for the annual “Hockey: It’s in Your Blood” campaign. Everyone who comes to donate blood with the Red Cross in the month of March within the Central Ohio Region will be entered into a drawing to receive one of five Columbus Blue Jackets weekly prize packages with autographed memorabilia.

Every two seconds in the United States blood is needed to respond to patient emergencies, including accident and burn victims, heart surgery and organ transplant patients, and those receiving treatment for leukemia, cancer or sickle cell disease. The Red Cross must collect more than 13,000 blood and platelet donations every day for the patients at about 2,500 hospitals nationwide.

In addition to offering the prize packets for the monthly drawings, the Blue Jackets are also hosting a blood drive of their own at the end of the month. Members of the community are encouraged to make an appointment for that drive, to be held at Nationwide Arena, March 31 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m., by using the sponsor code: Stinger.

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.

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.

More information on the Columbus Blue Jackets can be found at BlueJackets.com.