The American Red Cross, in partnership with Indianapolis Motor Speedway, is hosting a two-day blood drive to honor Trauma Awareness Month and support needy patients.
The blood drive will be from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Wednesday, May 7, at the Red Cross Office at 1510 North Meridian St. and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday, May 9, at the North Chalet of the Plaza Village at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway at 4790 West 16th St.
Donors participating on May 7 will receive free admission and a garage pass for Fast Friday on May 16, while those donating on May 9 will be given a hospitality pass for entry to the speedway and a garage pass valid for the same day. Appointments for May 9 donors will include arrangements to pick up their passes ahead of their scheduled donation times.
Community members can schedule an appointment to donate blood by calling 1-800-RED CROSS or visiting RedCrossBlood.org and using the sponsor code “indycar.” The Red Cross also offers an incentive for all donors who give blood between May 1 and May 18 — a $20 e-gift card to a merchant of their choice. Additionally, donors during May will be automatically entered into a drawing to win a U.S. trip for two.
Every two seconds, someone in the U.S. requires a blood transfusion. With blood donations essential for trauma emergencies and routine medical care, the Red Cross emphasizes that donations help hospitals remain prepared for the unexpected. Donors must meet eligibility requirements, including age, weight and general health standards. RapidPass is available to streamline the donation process by allowing participants to complete their health history questionnaire online before arriving.
For more information on the American Red Cross or to schedule an appointment, visit RedCrossBlood.org.
This reporting is made possible by a grant from the Indianapolis African-American Quality of Life Initiative, empowering our community with essential health insights. https://iaaqli.org/
Contact Health & Environmental Reporter Hanna Rauworth at 317-762-7854 or follow her on Instagram at @hanna.rauworth.
Hanna Rauworth is the Health & Environmental Reporter for the Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper, where she covers topics at the intersection of public health, environmental issues, and community impact. With a commitment to storytelling that informs and empowers, she strives to highlight the challenges and solutions shaping the well-being of Indianapolis residents.
