The Minnesota Wild, in partnership with the American Red Cross and HealthPartners, today announced they will host a blood drive at Xcel Energy Center on Tuesday, Feb. 7 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in celebration of Black History Month. The Minnesota Wild hope to raise awareness about the need for a diverse blood supply, especially to help sickle cell patients which affects one out of every 365 Black or African American births. One in three African American blood donors are a match for people with sickle cell disease.
To register and for more information on donor eligibility, please visit redcrossblood.org or the Red Cross Blood Donor App and use the sponsor code “WILD.” All blood types are needed, and space is limited. An appointment is required to participate in this blood drive. Participants registered for this blood drive are not allowed to bring additional guests.
“I am proud to be part of two great organizations that serve the Twin Cities,” said Dr. David Hamlar, Regions Hospital Surgeon and Board Chair of the MN Red Cross. “This collaboration can help address healthcare disparities. This includes helping patients living with sickle cell through awareness campaigns, community networks, and yes, blood drives, which all help serve our communities of color.”
The American Red Cross is facing the worst blood shortage in over a decade. The dangerously low blood supply can affect our local hospitals, including Regions. As a sponsor and partner of our local chapter, American Red Cross in Minnesota, we support them and their mission in every way we can and that includes hosting blood drives. Donating blood products is essential to community health and the need for blood products is constant.
Free parking will be available for all donors participating in the blood drive at the Saint Paul RiverCentre Parking Ramp located off Kellogg Blvd. across from the Saint Paul RiverCentre. Doors for the event will open at 9:30 a.m. at Gate 1.
Following their donation, all donors will receive a signed player card from Matt Dumba, Jordan Greenway and Ryan Reaves.
(info courtesy of Wild)