Red Cross joins forces with 'Wonder Woman 1984' to save the day for patients in need

Press release

GREAT FALLS — This July, the American Red Cross and “Wonder Woman 1984” are joining forces to save the day for patients in need of lifesaving blood transfusions. The Red Cross has an urgent need for blood donors this summer, as the COVID-19 pandemic has caused unprecedented supply challenges amid this uncertain environment.

Additionally, despite states lifting stay-at-home orders and reopening, many blood drives at businesses and community organizations continue to be cancelled as these locations remain closed or restrict the number of individuals at any location.

Local blood drives in the area include:

Havre

Monday, July 20, 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., St. Jude Parish Center, 440 Seventh Ave.

Tuesday, July 21, 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 P.M., Northern Montana Hospital, 30 13th St.

Wednesday, July 22, 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Triangle Communications, 2121 U.S. Highway 2 West

Thursday, July 23, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Bullhook Community Health Center, 521 Fourth St.

Chinook

Tuesday, July 21, 12:30 to 6 p.m. Wallner Hall, 330 Ohio.

Big Sandy

Wednesday, July 22, to 7 p.m., Big Sandy Senior Citizens Center, 166 Johannes Ave.

As part of the partnership, the Red Cross is organizing an epic prop replica giveaway from the new Warner Bros. Pictures film “Wonder Woman 1984,” due to hit theaters nationwide Oct. 2, to thank those who roll up a sleeve and help patients battling illness and injury. Peoplr who present to donate July 1-31 will automatically be entered for a chance to win an authentic “Wonder Woman 1984” movie prop replica package, which includes the Golden Lasso and a pair of Gauntlets, identical to Wonder Woman’s from the film.

Terms and conditions apply. Valid email address is required. Limit five (5) entries per presenting donor. Winner will be selected and notified via the email listed in their American Red Cross donor profile on or around Aug. 10, 2020. Offer is non-transferable and not redeemable for cash. Void where prohibited. Giveaway begins July 1, and ends July 31. Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. and its parents, affiliates and subsidiaries are not responsible for the promotion, administration or execution of this giveaway.

Now is the time to help patients fight back. If you are feeling well, please make an appointment to give by using the Blood Donor App at https://www.redcrossblood.org/blood-donor-app.html , visiting http://RedCrossBlood.org , calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enabling the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device.

“In times of crisis, new superheroes often emerge, and new alliances are forged. The Red Cross is thrilled to partner with “Wonder Woman 1984” to encourage and thank fans and blood donors alike for being superheroes for patients in need by giving blood in July,” said Paul Sullivan, senior vice president of the American Red Cross Biomedical Services. “Blood donors have a unique super power — lifesaving blood. Blood cannot be manufactured, and donors are the only source for patients in need.”

Be a superhero

Every two seconds, someone in the United States needs blood — kids battling cancer, accident victims being raced into emergency rooms, and new moms with complicated childbirths. Unfortunately, superheroes are in short supply as only 3 out of 100 Americans donate blood.

While tens of thousands of donors gave blood in response to an initial blood shortage caused by this coronavirus outbreak, it’s important to remember that red blood cells must be transfused within 42 days of donation, and platelets within just five days, so they must constantly be replenished.

Blood Donation during COVID-19

Each Red Cross blood drive and donation center follows the highest standards of safety and infection control. Donors are asked to schedule an appointment prior to arrival and are required to wear a face covering or mask while at the drive, in alignment with Centers for Disease Control public guidance.

Donors can save up to 15 minutes at the blood drive by completing a RapidPass®. With RapidPass®, donors complete the pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of donation, from a mobile device or computer. To complete a RapidPass®, follow the instructions at http://RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Red Cross Blood Donor App.

In most states, people who are 17 years of age — 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.

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, people can visit http://redcross.org or http://cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit the Red Cross on Twitter at @RedCross.