By Danielle Ray, External Communications Manager, Biomedical Field Marketing and Communications for American Red Cross
LITTLE ROCK — The 2014 Salt Bowl may have ended in a tie, but the football rivals have a chance for a rematch. Benton and Bryant High Schools go head to head for a second time in a competition to help save lives. The two schools have partnered with the American Red Cross to compete in the 2014 Salt Bowl Competition blood drive.
The school that helps the Red Cross collect the most blood donations will be awarded a ‘2014 Salt Bowl Competition blood drive champion’ trophy and major bragging rights. Benton High is the reigning champ, helping the Red Cross collect more than 130 blood donations in 2013.
This year, the Red Cross hopes to bring in more than 300 blood donations at the two-day drive. Each blood donation can help save up to three lives, so this year’s blood drive could provide potentially lifesaving blood donations to nearly 1,000 patients in need.
Every two seconds someone in the U.S. needs blood. Blood donated at the 2014 Salt Bowl Competition blood drive could help many patients in need, including accident victims, premature infants, cancer patients and those undergoing surgery. Up to 20 percent of the Red Cross donor base is made up of students. Blood drives on school campuses are important to helping the Red Cross meet the need of patients.
2014 Salt Bowl Competition blood drive:
Monday, Sept. 22, 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Bryant High School Multipurpose Room
200 N.W. 4th Street, Bryant
Tuesday, Sept. 23, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Benton High School Auditorium
211 N. Boulder Street, Benton
How to donate blood
Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to make an appointment or for more information. 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 (16 with parental consent in some states), 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.
About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent 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 visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.
