Blood Donors Could Win Free Zoombezi Bay Passes

The American Red Cross has teamed up with Columbus Zoo and Aquarium and Zoombezi Bay to encourage the public to donate blood during the summer trauma season. Those who come to donate blood can receive a coupon for buy one get one free entry to the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium and enter a weekly drawing for four passes to Zoombezi Bay.

The summer months have become known as “trauma season” due to an increase in traumatic injuries, including motor vehicle accidents. With this increase in injuries, the need for blood often goes up. Trauma victims, cancer patients, premature babies and children who suffer from sickle cell disease often need blood products to survive every day in the community. More than 4 million people need blood transfusions each year. In Central Ohio alone, the Red Cross needs 800 donors each day to support patients at 41 area hospitals.

“The need for blood doesn’t take a summer vacation, unfortunately,” said Rodney Wilson, communications manager for the American Red Cross Central Ohio Blood Services Region.  “Summer brings outdoor activities, swimming and vacations, but the need for blood is constant no matter the season.”

The Red Cross hopes this partnership with the Zoo and Zoombezi Bay will result in a strong blood supply over the summer months to help in any kind of medical need.

To schedule an appointment and to learn more about this offer, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED-CROSS.

The Columbus Zoo buy one get one free entry coupon will be offered to all who come to donate blood at Central Ohio Region blood drives May through August and is valid for up to six discounts. Some restrictions may apply, see coupon for details. Weekly Zoombezi Bay four-pack pass winners will be drawn from May 1 to July 31 and notified.

Upcoming blood drives in the area:

• May 24, 2014 The Alber Red Cross Center 1849 Summerset Drive 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.
• May 25, 2014 In Honor Lt. David Grounds II Timothy Lutheran Church 3004 Marion Mt. Gilead Rd. 1 p.m. – 6 p.m.

To schedule an appointment to donate please call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org for more information. If you are at least 17 years of age (16 with parental consent in some states), meet height and weight requirements (at least 110 pounds based on height) and are in good general health, you may be eligible to donate blood. Bring your Red Cross blood donor card or other form of positive ID when you come to donate.