Blair Media Blood Blitz: What to know about the largest blood drive in the county

ALTOONA, Pa. (WTAJ) — The 36th Blair Media Blood Blitz, the largest blood drive in Blair County, is back this July.

The 10-hour event, which the American Red Cross co-hosts with Seven Mountains Media and WTAJ, will be held on Tuesday, July 16 at the Altoona Area Junior High School Fieldhouse at 1400 7th Ave. in Altoona from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Donors are critically in need following a sharp decrease in donations in the spring. When fewer people donate, blood products can be scarce on hospital shelves, but patients who need lifesaving transfusions have no time to wait. All blood types are needed. This year’s goal is to collect 200 units of blood.

All of those who donate blood in July will receive a Fandango movie ticket by email to see TWISTERS. Plus, all donors will automatically be entered for a chance to win a 2025 Ram 1500 Big Horn.

The Blair Media Blood Blitz is open to the public. Donors can save time by using RapidPass ^® to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online. To get started, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Blood Donor App.

Have you never donated blood before? Here’s what to do.

Download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org , call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enable the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device to make an appointment or for more information.

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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.

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