CBC is offering the “We’re Wild About Blood Donors” t-shirt as a gift to everyone who registers to donate May 2 through June 11 at a CBC Donor Center or most CBC blood drives. Everyone age 18 and older who registers to donate with CBC from May 2 through Sept. 3 will be entered in the drawing to win a custom-designed Alaska vacation for two in the “Wild About Alaska Adventure for Two Summer Blood Drive.”
The grand prize includes air travel to Alaska, deluxe accommodations during your week-long stay, and options for a cruise or land travel. The vacation is for the winning donor and a travel companion.
Donors can double their chances of winning by donating early in the summer and becoming eligible to donate again. They can enter the drawing a second time when they register for a second donation during the blood drive period.
AN IMPORTANT HOLIDAY TIME & SUMMER FOR DONATING
The Memorial Day weekend is the kick-off to summer, a time when high schools are on summer break, families are taking vacations, and outdoor activities are heating up. All this can disrupt donation schedules and challenge the regional blood supply.
In addition, CBC is taking cautions against the Zika virus. Potential donors who have traveled to Zika endemic areas in the Caribbean, Mexico and Central or South America are deferred from donating for 28 days. The restriction is expected to decrease the number of eligible donors by approximately 2.25 percent.
There are more challenges to face this summer. As of May 23, a change in FDA regulation requires a higher hemoglobin level for male donors. The current 12.5 grams per deciliter (g/dl) requirement for donating will increase to 13.0 g/dl for males. (The female requirement will remain at 12.5 g/dl). CBC estimates the new hemoglobin requirement, coupled with stricter pulse screening requirements, could have an impact of up to six percent in the donor deferral rate.
Learn more at www.GivingBlood.org
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