By Joshua Huff, sports editor
Both the UAB Hospital and the Birmingham Legion FC are teaming up with the America Red Cross after the Red Cross issued an urgent call for blood donors.
The community is invited to give blood on Tuesday, Oct. 1, at the BBVA Compass Field on 800 11th Street South in Birmingham. Donors can also go to the UAB North Pavilion Atrium on Monday, Sept. 30, through Saturday, Oct. 5, at multiple times. The schedule is posted below.
According to a Red Cross press release, the organization has an urgent need for blood donors of all types to give now to help prevent a blood shortage. Blood is needed every day for patients with many serious medical conditions: Accident and burn victims, heart surgery patients, organ transplant patients and those receiving treatment for leukemia, cancer or sickle cell disease.
“Donating blood is a way to make a lifesaving impact in the lives of patients like Ryder Oliver,” the press release said. “On March 26, 2018, Ryder was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor called medulloblastoma at the age of three. He immediately underwent a 5 ½ hour brain surgery to remove the tumor and then received his first of many blood transfusions. Ryder then completed three rounds of chemotherapy, three rounds of high dose chemotherapy and three stem cell transplants. He finished his treatment Oct. 12, 2018, and is currently in remission.”
Donors will receive a free Red Cross T-shirt, meal voucher for the UAB cafeteria, one Birmingham Legion FC game ticket and free food while supplies last.
For those interested, a blood donor card, or a driver’s license, or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age, weigh at least 110 pounds and are in good health might be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years old or younger have to meet certain height and weight requirements.
Schedule:
9/30/2019: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., University of Alabama Birmingham North Pavilion Atrium 1802 6th Ave. S., Birmingham
10/1/2019: 7 a.m. – 2 p.m., University of Alabama Birmingham North Pavilion Atrium 1802 6th Ave. S., Birmingham
10/1/2019: noon – 6 p.m., BBVA Compass Field 800 11th St. S., Birmingham.
10/2/2019: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., University of Alabama Birmingham North Pavilion Atrium 1802 6th Ave. S., Birmingham
10/3/2019: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., University of Alabama Birmingham North Pavilion Atrium 1802 6th Ave. S., Birmingham
10/4/2019: 7 a.m. – 2 p.m., University of Alabama Birmingham North Pavilion Atrium 1802 6th Ave. S., Birmingham
10/5/2019: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., University of Alabama Birmingham North Pavilion Atrium 1802 6th Ave. S., Birmingham
