LAS VEGAS (FOX5) — The Las Vegas Motor Speedway and the American Red Cross held a community blood drive Friday afternoon.
The event took place weeks after the Red Cross declared a national blood supply crisis for only the second time in its history.
The blood drive ran from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Speedway’s LocaliQ Digital Center, located in the infield.
Eva Klappa said the Red Cross is starting to come out of the crisis, but donations remain difficult to come by as the organization tries to build up its supply ahead of the holidays.
“Summer is always really rough for us. Parents are traveling with their kids. People don’t donate as much. Certain disasters around the country will slow down blood drives. So it’s definitely a critical time,” Klappa said.
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Speedway, Red Cross partnership
Patrick Lindsey, president and general manager of Las Vegas Motor Speedway, said giving blood is one of the simplest ways people can make a difference in the lives of others.
“We’re proud to partner with the American Red Cross to provide our fans, employees, and members of the Southern Nevada community with an opportunity to come together and support patients and families in need,” Lindsey said.
A single blood donation can help multiple patients, according to the Red Cross.
As a thank-you, the Red Cross offered donors a $20 Amazon gift card by email.
How to donate
Those who missed Friday’s blood drive but still want to donate can visit redcrossblood.org and enter sponsor code LVMS, or call 1-800-RED-CROSS, to find an opportunity near them.
Donors are advised to eat a good meal and stay hydrated before giving blood.
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