American Red Cross to host two blood drives July 23-26

UAB collaborates with the American Red Cross to host two blood drives next week.
Photography: Steve WoodThe need for blood supplies is constant across the United States, and the American Red Cross is partnering with the University of Alabama at Birmingham and the Birmingham Barons to host two blood drives next week. UAB experts are encouraging the public to donate blood if able.

The UAB Hospital blood drive will be held July 23-26, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day in the North Pavilion Atrium. Donors will receive a Red Cross T-shirt and a Fandango movie ticket to see the movie “Twisters” while supplies last.

The Birmingham Barons blood drive is on Tuesday, July 23, from 1-7 p.m. Parking will be available at Third Avenue South and 14th Street. Donors will receive a free cooling towel and two Barons baseball game tickets while supplies last.

The Red Cross and UAB recommend donors eat iron-rich foods and hydrate before giving blood.

UAB is one of the largest users nationally of blood supplied by the Red Cross. Donors can give blood up to six times a year, every eight weeks. The process takes about 45 minutes; the actual blood collection usually takes less than 20 minutes.

Blood products are used during surgery, transplantation, trauma care, difficult pregnancies and cancer treatment. Sometimes, a single patient may require as many as 100 units.

Donors can learn more and make an appointment for the UAB blood drive by visiting redcrossblood.org. Donors can use the sponsor code UABNP. To schedule an appointment for the Birmingham Barons blood drive, enter the sponsor code Barons. Both blood drives offer volunteer opportunities, click here to get involved.