NOTE TO MEDIA: Images and a graphic are attached to this email. Photo credits are contained in the file name (example: Amanda Carberry, Columbus Zoo and Aquarium).
Powell, OH — In honor of the spirit of giving, the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium and Versiti Blood Center of Ohio are teaming up this holiday season for a blood drive to raise awareness about the need for lifesaving blood donations.
As an official Columbus Zoo partner, Versiti invites members of the community to give blood to ensure a safe and stable supply of blood year-round.
The blood drive will take place on Tuesday, December 19, 2023 at the Zoo’s Africa Event Center located off the main parking lot. Appointments are available to book online now from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. To thank donors for their important contribution that helps to make a difference for others, each donor will receive one (1) FREE ticket to visit the Columbus Zoo (valid through January 31, 2024).
Anyone 17 years or older who is in general good health and meets eligibility requirements is encouraged to donate blood. Parental consent is required for 16-year-olds to donate. Appointments are preferred to ensure a quick and convenient donation, but walk-in donors are also welcome. The entire process takes about an hour. Donors should bring a photo ID that includes their birth date. The purchase of a Zoo admission ticket is not required to donate, but guests are encouraged to visit the Zoo afterward and stay for Wildlights, efficiently powered by AEP Ohio.
Blood is precious and perishable, and the need for blood donors is vital. Every 2 seconds, someone in the United States is in need of blood. By donating blood, you are helping to save up to three lives!
For additional updates about the Columbus Zoo, events, and more, be sure to follow the Zoo’s social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram, X, and TikTok, and visit us at ColumbusZoo.org.
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About the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
Home to more than 10,000 animals representing over 600 species worldwide, the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium leads by making a positive impact on people, wildlife, and wild places. The Zoo complex is a recreational and education destination that includes the 22-acre Zoombezi Bay water park and 18-hole Safari Golf Club. The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium also manages The Wilds, a 10,000-acre conservation center and safari park located in southeastern Ohio. The Zoo is a wildlife conservation organization with regional, national and global impact, annually supporting conservation and research projects locally and worldwide. For more information, please visit ColumbusZoo.org.
About Versiti
Versiti, a national leader in blood health innovation, was formed with the mission to improve the health of patients and enable the success of our healthcare partners nationally. We provide innovative, value-added solutions in the fields of transfusion medicine, transplantation, and blood-related diseases to meet the needs of each of our customers. The collective efforts across Versiti result in improved patient outcomes, expanded access to care, and cost efficiencies for healthcare systems nationwide. For more information or a complete listing of upcoming blood drives near you, visit versiti.org/oh or call 1-800-485-6594.
