CLEVELAND — With the winter months being among the most challenging times of year to collect blood donations, the Cleveland Cavaliers and teaming up with the American Red Cross and Cleveland Clinic to host a blood drive at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse.
The drive will take place from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 13. While walk-ins will be accommodated, appointments are encouraged and can be made by using the code "ROCKET" at RedCrossBlood.org or by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS.
"Those who are healthy and feeling well are urged to give blood to maintain a stable blood supply for patients who rely on lifesaving transfusions, especially throughout the COVID-19 pandemic," the team said in a release announcing the blood drive.
Free parking for those participating will be available in front of the Discount Drug Mart Entrance on Gateway plaza (access through E 6th St). Donors are asked to enter Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse through the Cleveland-Cliffs Entrance on the corner of East 6th and Huron Rd.
Dating back to March 2020, 13 blood drives have been held at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, resulting in 1,172 pints of blood being collected to help save more than 3,500 lives. The release noted that winter months can be difficult to collect blood, as many donors are busy with holiday activities, inclement weather can force the cancellation of blood drives and some donors become temporarily ineligible because of seasonal illnesses.
Presenting donors who take part in the blood drive will receive a commemorative “Cavs Elite Donor Squad” long-sleeved t-shirt, free Cleveland Monsters and Cleveland Charge tickets and an exclusive Cleveland Cavaliers ticket offer. Additionally, donors be entered into a raffle to win an autographed Cavaliers item.
The Red Cross is following FDA blood donation eligibility guidance for those who receive a COVID-19 vaccination. While deferral times may vary depending on the type of vaccine an individual receives, there’s no deferral time if a donor receives the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine. Additionally, if a donor has received a COVID-19 vaccine, they will need to provide the manufacturer name when they donate.