Beginning August 1, all who come to donate will receive a voucher to redeem for a free beverage at a participating local business
RHODE ISLAND – Rhode Island Blood Center (RIBC) is kicking off its annual “Pint for a Pint” campaign to encourage blood donations during the critical summer months. From August 1 through August 31, everyone 21 years or older who comes to donate at a RIBC donor center or select mobile blood drive will receive a voucher redeemable for a free beverage at a participating establishment.
Eight local breweries across Rhode Island have joined this year’s campaign in support of patients who rely on lifesaving blood transfusions every day. The full list of participating establishments can be found here.
“August is traditionally one of the most difficult times of year for the blood supply, but this year the situation is especially precarious. Rhode Island Blood Center recently declared a blood emergency, and blood centers across the country are now navigating a national blood crisis,” said Hunter Shaffer, Vice President of Operations at Rhode Island Blood Center. “Blood is a unique lifesaving resource for which there is no substitute. It can’t be manufactured or ordered into existence. It can only be given, freely, from one human being to another. Every donor who joins us during Pint for a Pint helps ensure blood is available when a patient’s life depends on it. A pint enjoyed with friends can follow a pint given to save a stranger, and we’re deeply grateful to the local breweries helping us bring more donors through our doors.”
Rhode Island Blood Center recently declared a blood emergency after the regional blood supply fell to its lowest level since the COVID-19 pandemic. The shortage extends well beyond Rhode Island, with blood centers nationwide continuing to face critically low inventories during the summer months. RIBC is urging all eligible donors, especially those with type O blood, to schedule an appointment as soon as possible.
Every donation is essential to ensuring hospitals have the blood they need to treat patients. Blood donors can donate every 56 days, and platelet donors can give up to twice per month. In light of recent updates to FDA guidance, more people than ever may now be eligible to give. To view current eligibility guidelines or to make an appointment, visit ribc.org or call 401.453.8383.
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About Rhode Island Blood Center
Founded in 1979, Rhode Island Blood Center (RIBC) has served Rhode Island and the New England area for more than 45 years, delivering more than 90,000 lifesaving blood products annually to 50+ hospitals, EMS and healthcare partners. RIBC is part of New York Blood Center Enterprises (NYBCe), which spans 17+ states and delivers one million blood products to 400+ U.S. hospitals annually. NYBCe additionally delivers cellular therapies, specialty pharmacy, and medical services to 200+ research, academic and biomedical organizations. NYBCe’s Lindsley F. Kimball Research Institute is a leader in hematology and transfusion medicine research, dedicated to the study, prevention, treatment and cure of bloodborne and blood-related diseases. RIBC serves as a vital community lifeline dedicated to helping patients and advancing global public health. To learn more, visit ribc.org. Connect with us on Facebook, X, Instagram, and LinkedIn.