The American Red Cross and 93.3 WMMR are teaming up once again to present the 16th annual “I Bleed for Preston & Steve” blood drive on Friday, June 18, 7 a.m.-7 p.m. The event is sponsored by Virtua Health and Recovery Centers of America. The 16^th annual blood drive will take place at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center and Live! Casino & Hotel Philadelphia.

Like last year, the drive is being held at two locations to accommodate coronavirus safety measures.

Donors can choose to give blood at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center, 100 Station Ave. in Oaks, or at Live! Casino & Hotel Philadelphia, 900 Packer Ave. in Philadelphia.

Donors are asked to schedule an appointment prior to arriving at the drive-by visiting RedCrossBlood.org and entering sponsor code WMMR or by calling 1-800-REDCROSS. 

Presenting donors will receive a free, limited-edition, Preston & Steve T-shirt, while supplies last. WMMR DJs will make appearances at each location throughout the drive and will give away concert tickets and other items to random presenting donors. Prizes and gifts are not redeemable for cash.

As the nation transitions to a new, hopeful phase of this devastating pandemic and people begin to return to some of their favorite activities, the Red Cross is concerned about the impact this could have on blood donor turnout and the blood supply this summer.

“Summer is always a challenging time for blood collection, and this drive has been essential to maintaining our region’s summer blood supply,” said Guy Triano, CEO, Red Cross Southeastern Pennsylvania Region. “WMMR and the Preston & Steve Show continue to be outstanding Red Cross partners, and we’re grateful for their ongoing support.”

“We’re proud to support the American Red Cross by serving as a host location for this extremely important event,” said Mario Maesano, Senior Vice President of Marketing, Live! Casino & Hotel Philadelphia. “Supporting the community is part of our DNA at Live! and we look forward to welcoming donors as they help to make a difference in our region.”

There is no substitute for donated blood. Every day, patients rely on the generosity of blood donors to help them battle illnesses and injuries.

Over the past 15 years, 93.3 WMMR listeners have donated close to 17,000 pints of blood, helping up to 50,000 patients and their families, so Bleed for Preston and Steve!

Health insights for donors

The Red Cross is testing blood, platelet, and plasma donations for COVID-19 antibodies through July 24. The test may indicate if the donor’s immune system has produced antibodies to this coronavirus, regardless of whether they developed symptoms. Testing may also identify the presence of antibodies developed after receiving a COVID-19 vaccine. 

The Red Cross is not testing donors to diagnose illness, referred to as a diagnostic test. To protect the health and safety of Red Cross staff and donors, it is important that individuals who do not feel well or believe they may be ill with COVID-19 postpone donation.

Donors can expect to receive antibody test and sickle cell trait screening results, if applicable, within one to two weeks through the Red Cross Blood Donor App and the online donor portal at RedCrossBlood.org. 

Blood drive safety

Each Red Cross blood drive and donation center follows the highest standards of safety and infection control, and additional precautions have been implemented to help protect the health of all those in attendance.

Donors are asked to schedule an appointment prior to arriving at the drive and may be required to wear a face mask while at the drive, in alignment with local guidance.

About the American Red Cross

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% 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.

To Bleed for Preston and Steve, please visit redcross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit on Twitter at @RedCross.