Saratoga Casino Hotel to Host Red Cross Blood Drive
Blood Donors Needed this Summer Amid COVID-19 Outbreak
SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY (July 14, 2020) – Every day, blood and platelet donations help patients battling diseases, like cancer, and facing the unexpected. The American Red Cross can’t fulfill its lifesaving mission without volunteer donors, and during these uncertain times, we’re all in this together.
Saratoga Casino Hotel is teaming up with the Red Cross to host a blood drive on Tuesday, July 21.
Donating blood products is essential to community health. Each Red Cross blood drive and donation center follows the highest standards of safety and infection control, and additional precautions – including social distancing and face coverings for donors and staff – have been implemented to ensure the health of all those in attendance.
“The need for blood doesn’t stop – even during a pandemic – and we are so grateful to sponsors like Saratoga Casino Hotel who are helping to ensure lifesaving blood can be collected during this uncertain time,” said Katie Potter, external communications manager for the Red Cross Eastern NY Region. “This is the time to take care of one another and help ensure patients counting on lifesaving donations get the blood they need this summer.”
To date, Saratoga Casino Hotel has collected more than 1,600 blood donations at their biannual blood drives. All presenting donors at this July’s blood drive will receive a Saratoga Casino Hotel baseball cap for donating.
“We are proud to continue our support of the American Red Cross with our Annual Blood Drive,” said Alex Tucker, General Manager of Saratoga Casino Hotel. “The work they do for the community is tremendous and greatly appreciated, especially during these difficult times.”
How to donate blood
Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enable the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device to make an appointment or for more information. 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.
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.
Media Contacts:
Amy Brannigan, Senior Director of Marketing
Saratoga Casino Hotel
abrannigan@saratogacasino.com
(518) 581-5721
Katie Potter, Communications Manager
American Red Cross Biomedical Services – Eastern & Western NY
katie.potter@redcross.org
(585) 402-8970
