Sacramento, Calif. – Cal Expo is partnering with Vitalant and iHeart Media Sacramento this Friday - August 7, 2020, to host a Vitalant Blood Drive. This blood drive is an opportunity for local residents and the community at large to support those in need of blood donations during these especially challenging times. Blood donors will help save lives and learn their COVID-19 antibody status. Antibody tests are used to tell if someone had a past infection with SARS-CoV-2, the coronavirus that causes COVID-19. Donors who carry COVID-19 antibodies could become candidates to donate “convalescent plasma”. “Convalescent plasma” is currently the only antibody treatment available for COVID-19, and is used to help treat patients currently fighting active, serious COVID-19 infections.
To comply with social distancing practices, appointments were encouraged and all blood donors were requested to schedule an appointment online. The blood drive is fully booked at this time. Donors will be required to bring their own cloth-based face covering.
Cal Expo is inviting local media to cover this event and can offer interviews.
WHAT: Vitalant Blood Drive at Cal Expo
WHEN: Friday, August 7, 2020
9:00 a.m. - 4 p.m.
WHERE: California State Fair and Exposition, through the Main Gate in Building A
1600 Exposition Blvd
Sacramento, CA 95815
WHY: The need for blood is constant and on-going. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), every two seconds one person needs a blood transfusion. Donating blood is a potentially life-saving and essential part of caring for patients. With many blood drive cancellations, blood donations are needed more than ever. There is no known end date in this fight against coronavirus, and Vitalant needs the help of blood donors to meet the needs of patient care.
For media questions or interviews contact:
Drew Fowler - Marketing and Communications Manager, Vitalant
916-799-3135
Or
Margaret Mohr - Deputy General Manager, California Exposition & State Fair
MMohr@calexpo.com or 916-365-7220.
###
