Race Against The Clock Blood Drive

We are getting excited for United Blood Services Annual Race Against the Clock Blood Drive Event!  It’s Thursday, July 9^th from 7a.m. to 10:30p.m. and Friday, July 10^th from 7a.m. to 4p.m.

This year they are aiming for 700 pints of blood!!  They have A LOT of great prizes this year,  over 120!   And, they will pull a finalist for the Dream Vacation from this event!

The list of prizes that you could win, including Garth Brooks tickets and Apple watches, is on the flyer below.

Why do we do the Race Against the Clock Blood Drive each year?

During the summer months, there is a decrease in blood donations due to the heat, traveling out of town, kids out of school, family gatherings, ect.  High schools make up 33% of local blood supply, so while high schools are out for the summer, we lose those blood donations.

Due to increased travel, water sports, outdoor activities and selective surgeries, blood usage increases. As you can see, the balance of blood donations and blood usage does not match.

The Race Against the Clock Marathon Blood Drive was developed in hopes to help diminish summer blood shortages and to remind Acadiana that the need for blood never stops; its seven days a week, 24 hours a day, including holidays. We invite you to join the fun of this event, all while visiting with people in the community, enjoying delicious food, winning prizes and saving lives.

ALL blood types are ALWAYS needed in order to prevent any shortages from occurring. However, there has been a recent increase in the need for type O negative red blood cells and type AB plasma.  O negative blood type is the universal blood donor; O negative blood can be transfused to anyone, regardless of their blood type. AB type blood is the universal plasma donor.

Donors must be at least 16 years old to donate and be in general good health.
16 year olds need a minor donor permit signed prior to donation, so bring your parent or legal guardian with you.  One must weight at least 110 pounds- additional height/weight requirements apply to persons 16-22 years of age.  Remember, donors do need a pictured ID to donate.

The most important thing to remember is that when you donate blood, you are securing the blood supply to ensure that if someone you love needs blood, it is readily available. Blood needs to be on the shelf, ready to go when an accident happens or surgery needs to be performed. Waiting to donate until after these things happen, is too late. Donating three times a year helps ensure that blood is always available in all blood types.

For more information, or to schedule your appointment, go to bloodhero.com.  Use Sponsor Code "24".