In an effort to combat the critical need for lifesaving blood transfusions, hundreds made their way to donation centers to donate blood in partnership with Browns Give Back.
The drive took place at 13 locations throughout Northeast Ohio, including the KeyBank Club at Cleveland Browns Stadium. About 360 donors, including 23 first timers, gave over 357 productive units of blood.
Because of vacation schedules and summer break, the summer often sees a dip in blood donations compared to other times of the year. Regional Communications Manager for the American Red Cross Northern Ohio Region Christy Peters said it was important for the Browns to partner with the American Red Cross to encourage fans to help save lives.
"Summertime, everyone's busy going on vacation and traveling and our schedules are off and unfortunately that means people are not giving blood on a regular basis," Peters said. "But the need for blood is constant. Especially in the summer, we see more accidents, you see more emergencies, so hospitals like to have blood on the shelves ready to go."
Blood donations are vital in ensuring the health and safety of any community, as Peters said that the Red Cross seeks to collect over 500 pints of blood each day in order to meet hospital demand.
"Blood cannot be manufactured," Peters said. "It's crazy to think about all the medical advancements that we've made, yet we cannot manufacture blood. So, it's only when the community steps up and donates on a regular basis that we can meet hospital needs."
Donors were gifted a Browns T-shirt and were entered for a chance to win an autographed Browns football, four tickets and pregame passes to the preseason home game against the Minnesota Vikings on Aug. 17.
This year's preseason home game-winner, Timothy Dalton, enjoyed the game with his family following his donation of blood at the Cleveland Browns site location.
"I think a lot of people are nervous about the idea of giving blood, and I will say it's usually not as bad as you think it's going to be," Peters said, adding to drink plenty of water and eat a good breakfast on the day of your donation.
The donation process takes just one hour, with the actual blood draw lasting around 10 minutes. Individuals can donate blood every 56 days.
If you were unable to donate blood this weekend and would like to contribute to the dire need for more blood donations, please visit the Red Cross official website or call 1-800-RED CROSS for more information.
