AUSTIN, Texas — Austin FC has partnered with We Are Blood to host blood drives for years to come.
During this multi-year partnership, We Are Blood will host two blood drives at Q2 Stadium during the 2024 season. The first one will be on July 9 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
We Are Blood said it has seen record need for blood from hospitals across Central Texas. The organization reports that one blood donation can save up to three lives.
Every year, about 6.8 million people give blood, donating 13.6 million units of whole blood and red blood cells in a year, according to the Red Cross. But earlier this year, the Red Cross declared an emergency blood shortage as it was experiencing the “lowest number of people giving blood in the last 20 years.”
Blood banks are always in need of blood, but as the summer continues, We Are Blood said its need for more donations during this season can be higher.
The Red Cross said people’s vacation and holiday plans during the summer can affect blood supply. Additionally, weather threats like hurricanes, flooding and tornados that occur more during the summer can affect blood drives and blood supply.
We Are Blood has partnered with Austin FC before, hosting blood drives during previous seasons, and hopes the new partnership will increase blood donations and raise awareness for the need for blood donations in Central Texas.
Learn more about the upcoming blood drive at Q2 Stadium and future blood drives.