Sinclair Broadcast Group Teams Up With American Red Cross and Other Blood Collection Centers Nationally, Urging Viewers to Participate in Blood Donation Efforts

Rhea-AI Summary

Sinclair Broadcast Group (Nasdaq: SBGI) has launched the "Sinclair Cares: Roll Up Your Sleeves" campaign in collaboration with the American Red Cross. This initiative, which began on World Blood Donor Day and runs until July 23, aims to bolster U.S. blood supplies through donations, volunteer work, and financial contributions. The campaign highlights the ongoing blood shortage exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and emphasizes the critical need for donations. In 2020, the campaign successfully collected around 2,000 units of blood, and this year aims to increase participation via Sinclair's extensive media platforms.

Sinclair Broadcast Group (Nasdaq: SBGI) today announced the company’s “Sinclair Cares: Roll Up Your Sleeves” campaign in partnership with American Red Cross. The campaign urges Sinclair viewers to help increase U.S. blood supplies by making a blood donation appointment, volunteering time, or providing financial contributions for the cause. The “Sinclair Cares: Roll Up Your Sleeves” campaign kicked off today, which is World Blood Donor Day, and runs through July 23.

During the pandemic, many Americans have stepped up to help fellow neighbors in numerous ways, including donating blood. However, as hospitals recover from the effects of delayed surgeries and deferred care due to COVID-19, demand for blood products has rapidly increased beyond pre-pandemic levels resulting in a severe blood shortage. The Red Cross is working aggressively to meet the increased demand but needs the support of the public to ensure patients in hospitals awaiting life changing procedures have access to the blood products they need.

“As Americans slowly recover from the unprecedented events of the last year, it’s important our local communities keep in mind that the need for blood donations never stops,” said Sinclair President and CEO Chris Ripley. “Working in tandem with the American Red Cross and other blood collection centers, Sinclair will use its media outlets to encourage communities around the nation to help end the current blood shortage so that their fellow citizens receive the medical care they desperately need. For the millions who rely on blood donations, it’s critical that we create awareness to our audiences on how anyone can help in the cause to increase blood supplies.”

In 2020, the “Sinclair Cares: Roll Up Your Sleeves” campaign successfully led to approximately 2,000 units of blood collected. Following last year’s campaign, even more appointments were set up by individuals to donate blood.

In addition to highlighting the campaign on local news outlets, other Sinclair owned media outlets including Bally Sports Networks, Marquee Sports Network, Tennis Channel, Stadium, and digital channels will be participating. Sinclair encourages viewers to take part in donation efforts via Sinclair’s media outlet websites. Sinclair also will provide information and ways for viewers to get involved via its national website sinclaircares.com.

About Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc.

Sinclair is a diversified media company and leading provider of local sports and news. The Company owns and/or operates 21 regional sports network brands; owns, operates and/or provides services to 185 television stations in 86 markets; is a leading local news provider in the country; owns multiple national networks; and has TV stations affiliated with all the major broadcast networks. Sinclair's content is delivered via multiple platforms, including over-the-air, multi-channel video program distributors, and digital platforms. The Company regularly uses its website as a key source of Company information, which can be accessed at www.sbgi.net.

About the American Red Cross

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210614005532/en/

FAQ

What is the 'Sinclair Cares: Roll Up Your Sleeves' campaign by SBGI?

The 'Sinclair Cares: Roll Up Your Sleeves' campaign is an initiative launched by Sinclair Broadcast Group in partnership with the American Red Cross to encourage blood donations and increase U.S. blood supplies.

When did the SBGI blood donation campaign start?

The SBGI blood donation campaign started on World Blood Donor Day, which is celebrated annually on June 14, and will run through July 23.

How many blood units were collected during the 2020 SBGI campaign?

Approximately 2,000 units of blood were collected during the 2020 'Sinclair Cares: Roll Up Your Sleeves' campaign.

Why is the 'Roll Up Your Sleeves' campaign important?

The campaign addresses a severe blood shortage resulting from increased demand post-COVID-19, aiming to ensure patients have access to necessary blood products for medical care.

How can people participate in the SBGI blood donation campaign?

People can participate by making a blood donation appointment, volunteering, or providing financial contributions, with information available on Sinclair's media outlets.