CLEVELAND, Ohio — It’s not your typical blood drive. This year, donors had the opportunity to give blood at the KeyBank Club at FirstEnergy Stadium, home of the Cleveland Browns.
“I think the great part about an event like this is that it’s not a normal blood drive. I mean, a lot of the elements are the same, but when you get to partner with the Cleveland Browns, especially for all of the people here in Northeast Ohio, so many amazing fans come out,” said Christy Peters, communications manager for American Red Cross.
Donor Ed McCarthy, a Cleveland native, said he comes to the event every year in honor of his family.
“My family had leukemia, several members, so I do it in their honor,” he said.
The Browns’ First and Ten movement was designed as a way to give back and encourage individuals to make a difference in their community through volunteering at least 10 hours a year.
The Red Cross is asking people to give this year to help meet urgent needs for blood, especially since the blood supply in summer months is usually more scarce.
“The need for blood is constant, it never stops, not even during a pandemic,” said Peters.
All blood donors received a Browns T-shirt, while supplies lasted, and were entered into a drawing for a chance to win an autographed football.
Not wanting the pandemic to scare people from donating, donors were required to wear a mask while at the drive in addition to having their temperature checked. Thorough cleaning and social distancing precautions were also in effect to protect the health of all donors and volunteers.
There will be more opportunities to donate blood in the coming weeks. To see if you’re qualified to donate and sign up for future events, go to redcrossblood.org.
