Donors Needed for Saratoga Casino Hotel Blood Drive Jan. 18
SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. (Jan. 11, 2021) — The Saratoga community is invited to be the lifeline patients need this winter by donating blood with the American Red Cross at Saratoga Casino Hotel on Monday, Jan. 18, noon-6 p.m. at 342 Jefferson St.
Appointments are strongly encouraged in order to observe social distancing. To schedule an appointment, visit RedCrossBlood.org and enter sponsor code SARATOGACASINO or call 1-800-REDCROSS.
The Red Cross and the NFL are partnering 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. Those who come to give blood, platelets or plasma in January 2021 will automatically be entered for a chance to win a getaway to the 2022 Super Bowl LVI in Los Angeles. As an extra thank-you from the Red Cross, those who come to give Jan. 1-20, 2021, will also be automatically entered to win a Big Game at Home package, which includes a 65-inch television and $500 gift card toward food and fun so their household can enjoy an awesome viewing experience safely at home. Terms apply; visit RedCrossBlood.org/SuperBowl for more information.
Over the past decade, Saratoga Casino Hotel blood drives have collected 1,100 pints of blood.
“We are extremely proud to continue our commitment to the American Red Cross with our annual blood drive,” said Alex Tucker, General Manager at Saratoga Casino Hotel. “Our team members and community always respond with tremendous support, and that is needed now more than ever during such a critical time.”
The winter months can be especially difficult to collect enough blood and platelets to meet patient needs. Inclement weather can result in blood drive cancellations, and seasonal illnesses, like the flu, can prevent some donors from making or keeping appointments to give. Add in the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, and healthy blood donors can play a big part in ensuring lifesaving treatments are available for patients throughout the winter months.
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 and are required to 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.
About Saratoga Casino Hotel
Saratoga Casino Hotel, located on Crescent Avenue in Saratoga Springs, NY, features slot machines, a 117-room luxury hotel, electronic table games, Vapor, Morton’s® The Steakhouse, two full-service restaurants with buffets, a casual dining restaurant, three full-service bars, deli and a variety of guest services including valet parking and coat check. Simulcast wagering is available and live harness racing runs February through mid-December. Much of Saratoga Casino Hotel remains closed due to the pandemic, for information on what is open on property, please visit www.saratogacasino.com or call 800-727-2990. Must be 18 years of age or older to play video gaming machines or wager on horses. Please play responsibly.
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