Donate Blood, See A Movie For Free in Minnesota

While it's always a good time to donate blood, there's a special offer from the Minnesota and Dakotas Region of the American Red Cross that might make it even MORE worth your while.

If you haven't donated blood in a while, now might be a good time to roll up your sleeves and help save a life here in the Land of 10,000 Lakes. The Minnesota and Dakota Region of the American Red Cross just issued a warning back in May about how blood supplies are critically low right now.

The release said the Red Cross critically needs blood and platelet donors now following and has noted a concerning trend over the past few months – fewer donors rolling up a sleeve to give lifesaving blood.

In fact, the release said, about 20,000 fewer blood donations were collected in late April and May than is needed to maintain the Red Cross blood supply, both here in Minnesota and across the country.

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But as more and more of us travel this time of year, the need for blood also increases. The release noted that the period between Memorial and Labor Days is also known as '100 deadliest days' for auto accidents. It is the time when critical hospitals have lifesaving blood products on hand for trauma and accident victims.

And as a thank-you for helping to save a life, the Red Cross, along with Universal Pictures' new film, Twisters, is offering a cool new incentive if you donate blood during July:

All who come to give July 1-31, 2024, will get a Fandango Movie Ticket by email, plus be automatically entered for a chance to win a 2025 Ram 1500 Big Horn pick-up. Those who make it in to give July 1-14 will also get a one-of-a-kind TWISTERS and Red Cross umbrella, while supplies last.

Click HERE for all the details on this new incentive! Luckily, YOU and I can help-- and it's easy to do. Check out the following ways you can make an appointment to donate blood:

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)
Enable the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device

Get our free mobile app

If you happen to be in southeast Minnesota, you can also make an appointment to donate blood through Mayo Clinic's Blood Donor Program. Mayo's program says 'all blood product collected is used for Mayo Clinic patients and the surrounding community.' There are two different donation sites, both on Mayo's campus in Rochester.

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