Give blood, get free Cedar Point tickets

Justin Dietz is a Register correspondent representing CPFoodBlog.com and @CPFoodBlog on Twitter. SANDUSKY — The American Red Cross is offering up free Cedar Point tickets valid for the 2023 season with blood donations. At select blood drives from May 26 through Aug. 1, a limited supply of free tickets will be available. Tickets are limited to one per blood donation and are valid for use during the 2023 season. To schedule an appointment, visit redcrossblood.org and use sponsor code "cedarpoint". Donors can also call 1-800-Red Cross (1-800-733-2767) or download the free Red Cross blood donor app. A full list is available on the website. There are many locations across Ohio where locals can participate. Among the local drives taking place: • Noon to 6 p.m. on May 30 at the Clyde VFW, 847 W. Maple St., Clyde • 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on June 15 at Sandusky Mall, 4314 Milan Road (U.S. 250), Sandusky • 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on June 21 at Sawmill Creek Resort, 400 Sawmill Creek Drive, Huron • Noon to 6 p.m. on July 27 at Port Clinton Elks, 231 Buckeye Blvd., Port Clinton Note: Some tickets earned during the blood drive can be used at any Cedar Fair park, including Kings Island in Mason, Ohio. The Red Cross provides about 40% of the nation's blood and blood components, "all from generous volunteer donors," according to an organizational statement. "But supply can't always meet demand because only about 3% of age-eligible people donate blood yearly. Each new donor helps us meet patient needs." It continued: "Every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood. It is essential for surgeries, cancer treatment, chronic illnesses, and traumatic injuries. Whether a patient receives whole blood, red cells, platelets or plasma, this lifesaving care starts with one person making a generous donation." The Red Cross urges donors to be well-rested and hydrate as well as get a good night's sleep the night before donating blood. It's also recommended, before and after donating blood, to eat healthy foods and drink extra liquids.