The University of Alabama at Birmingham

07/18/2024 | News release | Distributed by Public on 07/18/2024 16:22

UAB to host two blood drives July 23-26

Written by: Katherine Kirk
Media contact: Anna Jones

UAB collaborates with the American Red Cross to host two blood drives next week.
Photography: Steve Wood
The need for blood supplies is constant across the United States, and the University of Alabama at Birmingham is partnering with the American Red Cross to host two blood drives next week. UAB experts are encouraging the public to donate blood if able.

The UAB Hospital blood drive will be held July 23-26, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day in the North Pavilion Atrium. Donors will receive a Red Cross T-shirt and a Fandango movie ticket to see the movie "Twisters" while supplies last.

UAB will host a blood drive at the Birmingham Barons baseball game on Tuesday, July 23, from 1-7 p.m. Parking will be available at Third Avenue South and 14th Street. Donors will receive a free cooling towel and two Barons baseball game tickets while supplies last.

The Red Cross and UAB recommend donors eat iron-rich foods and hydrate before giving blood.

UAB is one of the largest users nationally of blood supplied by the Red Cross. Donors can give blood up to six times a year, every eight weeks. The process takes about 45 minutes; the actual blood collection usually takes less than 20 minutes.

Blood products are used during surgery, transplantation, trauma care, difficult pregnancies and cancer treatment. Sometimes, a single patient may require as many as 100 units.

Donors can learn more and make an appointment by visiting redcrossblood.org. Donors can use the sponsor code UABNP. Both blood drives offer volunteer opportunities, click here to get involved.