Columbus Crew and Versiti Blood Center of Ohio Join Forces to Boost Blood Donations for Local Patients

This July, the heart of Crew Country will beat stronger than ever — not just for soccer, but for saving lives. The Columbus Crew and Versiti Blood Center of Ohio are teaming up to host Bleed Black and Gold, a large-scale community blood drive aimed at helping meet critical blood needs for hospitals across central Ohio. 

The drive will take place on Thursday, July 17, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Lower.com Field’s River Club, offering fans an extraordinary opportunity to give back — and get a taste of Crew glory in return. With a goal of collecting more than 300 units of blood, the event is poised to be one of the largest single-day blood drives for Versiti Columbus.

“In the heart of Crew Country, fans don’t just wear black and gold — they give it,” said Insert Name, title, Columbus Crew. “This summer, we’re calling on our supporters to show up, roll up their sleeves and make the kind of assist that can save lives.”

Why It Matters

Blood donation levels often drop during the summer months, even as demand remains high for trauma patients, cancer treatments, surgeries and more. Versiti Blood Center of Ohio supplies blood to more than 70 hospitals statewide, including three level 1 trauma centers in Columbus and Dayton that require an ample blood supply available on short notice.

“At Versiti, we believe in the power of purpose — and few communities rally around purpose like the Crew,” said Gretchen Jameson, EVP and chief marketing officer at Versiti. “The inaugural Bleed Black and Gold blood drive is more than a moment — it’s a movement. When 300 fans roll up their sleeves, they’ll bring hope to nearly 900 patients who need it most. This is what it looks like when passion meets impact. On July 17, we show what the black and gold can do — together, united by blood.”

Event Details At a Glance

What: Bleed Black and Gold Blood Drive
When: Thursday, July 17 | 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Where: River Club, Lower.com Field (parking in the North lot)
Goal: 300+ units of blood
Perks: Free T-shirts, VIP experiences, Crew player appearances

Blood Donation Facts

• Severe blood loss is a leading cause of death in surgical settings, contributing to over 80% of fatalities in the operating room. It also plays a critical role in early trauma deaths, accounting for nearly half of all deaths within the first 24 hours of injury.
• One donation can save up to three lives.
• More than 25% of the U.S. blood supply is used by patients battling cancer.
• There is no substitute for blood donation — blood cannot be manufactured.

Donors can schedule an appointment to donate blood by calling 800-485-6594 or visit Versiti online at Versiti.org/crew.

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About Versiti Blood Center of Ohio

Versiti is a world-class, nonprofit blood health organization with locations across the Midwest. Versiti was formed with a mission of service to improve patient outcomes, advance the field of personalized medicine and strengthen the health of communities everywhere. We are deeply rooted in the communities we serve, providing innovative, value-added solutions in the fields of transfusion medicine, transplantation and blood-related diseases. From research, clinical care, and diagnostic testing to the sharing of lifesaving gifts through blood, organ and tissue donation, the collective efforts across Versiti result in more hope for the communities that trust us. For a complete listing of upcoming drives or to host a blood drive, visit versiti.org/Ohio or call 800-485-6594.