Join the race to help save lives at the Sonoma Raceway’s Hinchcliffe 100 Blood Drive

Verizon IndyCar Series driver James Hinchcliffe seeks blood donors

SONOMA, Calif. — The community is invited to join the race to help save lives with Verizon IndyCar Series driver and blood recipient James Hinchcliffe at a special American Red Cross Hinchcliffe 100 Blood Drive supported by Verizon IndyCar Series and Sonoma Raceway. The event is Thursday, Sept. 13, from noon to 6 p.m. at Sonoma Raceway.

 

As a thank-you, the first 100 donors who register to give during the drive will receive a ticket via email for free general admission to the Grand Prix of Sonoma redeemable Sunday, Sept. 16, while supplies last. 

 

In 2015, Hinchcliffe suffered severe injuries after a crash during practice at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. He needed 22 pints of blood to survive, about twice an average person’s blood volume. His experience led him to realize how important blood donation really is.

 

“It took something like what happened to me for me to understand the problem,” said Hinchcliffe. “I'm working with the Red Cross to do whatever I can to raise awareness about the issue and try to draw people to blood donation.” 

 

“Hinchcliffe’s accident is a reminder of how fragile the blood supply can be,” said Justin Mueller, Red Cross Donor Recruitment account manager, Northern California region.“ Just as James ended up needing a large volume of blood quickly to save his life, we can’t predict when a major accident might happen It’s the blood already on the shelves that helps save lives in an emergency.”

 

This blood drive is one of several Hinchcliffe is sponsoring across the country with the Red Cross to help boost blood supplies during a time when fewer people donate. The public can follow social media activity of these events by using hashtag #HinchcliffeHundred.

 

The Red Cross depends on blood donor heroes across the nation to collect enough blood to meet the needs of patients at approximately 2,600 hospitals nationwide. Donors of all blood types are needed to help those who rely on blood products.

 

Hinchcliffe Hundred Blood Drive with James Hinchcliffe

Thursday, Sept. 13, 2018

noon to 6 p.m.

Sonoma Raceway, Sunoco Victory Lane

29355 Arnold Drive

 

To schedule an appointment, download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) and use sponsor code Sonomaraceway.

 

How to donate blood

All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

 

Blood and platelet donors can save time at their next donation by using RapidPass^® to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, from a computer or mobile device. To get started and learn more, visit RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass and follow the instructions on the site.

 

About the American Red Cross

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit RedCross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.

 

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