A blood drive linked to a Metallica’s upcoming Denver concerts set a state record, ahead of the typical July 4 dip in supply.
The drive, held Monday and Tuesday, collected a record 240 units of blood, said Justin Kern, spokesman for the American Red Cross.
The band also held blood drives linked to concerts in 10 other cities, which brought in about 2,000 units combined, he said.
One unit of blood can save up to three lives, according to the Red Cross. In other cases, one person who was in a severe accident may need as many as 100 units.
Blood donations typically drop in the summer, as school-based drives end and regular donors go on vacation. Demand for blood increases at the same time, because accidental and violent injuries peak during the warmer months.
Amanda Paktinat, interim CEO of the American Red Cross of Colorado and Wyoming, said in a statement that the collaboration with Metallica was an important opportunity for donations. Fans who donated could receive a T-shirt with the band’s logo, as well as the Red Cross’.
“Simply put — our blood donors rock,” she said. “Our communities will have more blood on the shelves for those in need during critical summer months thanks to these generous headbangers.”
Metallica is scheduled to play Empower Field at Mile High on Friday and Sunday.
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