We are big fans of donating blood with American Red Cross to help others in need of life-saving blood products, so we thrilled about any incentive that encourages others to donate blood, plasma, or platelets.
While we think donating blood and helping others is a reward within itself, there are other incentives. Donation drives often include other incentives such as t-shirts, coupons to local attractions/dining, gift card opportunities, and more. All blood drives are different, and incentives are subject to change.
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BOGO Blue Jackets tickets with Blood donation
The Columbus Blue Jackets are teaming up with the American Red Cross this September to help save lives. From September 1-30, 2024, fans who donate blood will receive a special ticket offer as a thank you for their generosity.
All blood donors in the region during this time will get a buy one, get one free ticket offer for select Blue Jackets games.
Special Blood Drive at Nationwide Arena
Fans also have the chance to donate blood at Nationwide Arena on Friday, September 6 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the activity center of the arena. To make an appointment, visit RedCrossBlood.org, download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, or call 1-800-RED CROSS and use the sponsor code: CBJGivesBack.
Blue Jacket Ticket Offer Details when you donate blood
All blood donors will receive a buy one, get one free ticket offer for one of the following games:
- Tuesday, October 17 vs. Buffalo
- Saturday, October 19 vs. Minnesota
- Tuesday, October 22 vs. Toronto
- Monday, October 28 vs. Edmonton
- Friday, November 1 vs. Winnipeg
- Thursday, November 21 vs. Tampa Bay
Donors are entered into weekly drawings for a Columbus Blue Jackets prize pack throughout the month of September.
The Importance of Blood Donations
Every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood due to emergencies, surgeries, or ongoing treatments for diseases like cancer and sickle cell. The Red Cross collects more than 13,000 blood and platelet donations daily to support patients across the country.
Ready to donate with the Red Cross?
Donors can use the Red Cross Blood Donor App, schedule online, or call 1-800-RED CROSS to make an appointment at a nearby blood drive or donation center. Walk-in appointments are sometimes available if the event isn’t full, so it never hurts to ask if you see one.
Use the app or website, as it’s an easy way to see appointment details, health information, and complete your RapidPass (which will allow you to complete part of your pre-donation screening before you arrive).
Tips for successful blood donation
Drink plenty of water before and after your donation, and don’t donate on an empty (or overly full) stomach
If your iron levels tend to be on the low side like mine, try to consume plenty of iron rich foods (such as red meat, fish, poultry, beans, spinach, iron-fortified cereals or raisins) for at least a week before your donation.
Wear a short sleeved shirt or a shirt that can be rolled up. When it’s cold, I usually wear a short sleeved shirt under a jacket or cardigan so I can take out one arm for donation.
If you’re nervous about the donation, take a friend and/or let the Red Cross employee or volunteer know. They can help you through the process. Listen to music or scroll on your phone with your other hand to distract yourself.
The actual donation part is usually less than 15 minutes (and as few as 3-4 minutes). A few minutes of unpleasantness is worth the opportunity to save a life!
Avoid alcohol, strenuous exercise or lifting heavy objects for the rest of the day after donation. Some people feel slightly tired or occasionally dizzy for a day or two after donation, but many are able to resume normal activities.
Types of Donations
Certain types of donations to the Red Cross of more beneficial depending on your blood type. All blood types are encouraged to donate whole blood. If you are unsure of your blood type, a whole blood donation is the best choice (and you’ll find out your blood type after donation). Red more about types of donation.
If you blood is found to be ineligible for future donations, due to health or disease, you will be notified. I found that I’m ineligible to donate platelets due to HLA antibodies found in my platelet donation. HLA antibodies are commonly formed in women during pregnancy, after receiving a blood transfusion or organ transplant. This antibody is not harmful to me or indicative of a health issue, but would be harmful to certain recipients. I’m eligible to continue whole blood and power red donations, which are ideal for my blood type.
Whole Blood Donation: Blood is taken and used in its original form. It can be separated into its specific components of red cells, plasma and platelets depending on recipient needs. Whole blood is frequently given to trauma patients and people undergoing surgery. Allow 1 hour for the whole donation process; though I am usually done in 20-30 minutes if RapidPass is completed in advance.
Ideal for all blood types
Requirements: 56 days since last donation. Good health and feeling well, 16 years or older (most states), must weigh at least 110 lbs.
Power Red Donation: This donation is to collect red cells only. During a Power Red donation, an automated process separates your red blood cells, and returns your plasma and platelets to you. You will donate more red cells that can provide more impact to others. Red cells from a Power Red donation are typically given to trauma patients, newborns and emergency transfusions during birth, people with sickle cell anemia, and anyone suffering blood loss. Allow 1.5 hours for a Power Red Donation, but you may be done is as little as 1 hour.
Ideal blood types: O positive, O negative, A negative, and B negative
Requirements: 112 days since last donation (up to 3 times/yr). Good health and feeling well. Male donors must be at least 17 years old, at least 5’1″ tall and weigh at least 130 lbs. Female donors must be at least 19 years old, at least 5’5″ tall and weigh at least 150 lbs. This donation requires a higher hemoglobin level, so if you have low iron, you may only be able to donate whole blood.
Platelet Donation: In a platelet donation, an apheresis machine collects your platelets and some plasma, returning red cells and most of the plasma back to you. Platelets are most often used by cancer patients and others facing life-threatening illnesses and injuries. Platelets are collected at Red Cross donation centers only. Donation takes from 2.5-3 hours, and the process is significantly different than a regular blood donation, and eligibility is different.
Ideal blood types: A positive, A negative, B positive, O positive, AB positive and AB negative.
Requirements: 7 days since last donation (up to 24 times/yr). Good health and feeling well, 17 years old (in most states), you must weigh at least 110 lbs
Plasma Donation: With this AB Elite donation, plasma is collected and separated through an automated process. Red blood cells and platelets are returned to your body. Plasma is used to treat patients in emergency situations to help stop bleeding. AB Elite maximizes your donation and takes just a few minutes longer than donating blood.
Ideal blood types: AB positive, AB negative.
Requirements: 28 days since last donation (up to 13 times/yr). Good health and feeling well, 17 years old (in most states), must weigh at least 110 lbs
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