Pint for a Pint is Back

Proclamation Ale Company will host a blood drive on Friday, Aug. 4. (Photo courtesy of Proclamation Ale Company)

Ever wondered how much fluid one of those hospital IV bags used for blood donation holds? Turns out it’s the same as a pint — which is exactly how much free beer you’ll get from one of your favorite craft breweries if you donate blood in the month of August.

The Rhode Island Blood Center launched its popular “Pint for a Pint” campaign this week, an annual tradition on the local craft beer scene. Starting Tuesday, Aug. 1, anyone who donates blood at a donor center or blood drive will receive a voucher for a free pint at one of eight participating breweries statewide. The campaign is intended to boost the dwindling blood supply in the summer months, a typically slow time for donations.

“With the summer, there’s always a decline in donations,” says Caitlin Grimaldi, marketing and communications manager for the Rhode Island Blood Center. “Everyone gets busy with not only squeezing in those vacations but also getting ready for back to school. Making an appointment to donate isn’t necessarily on the top of everyone’s mind, so that’s why we see a dip in the donations.”

The RIBC, which supplies blood to most of the state’s hospitals, tries to keep a five- to seven-day supply on hand at all times. Anything lower than that, Grimaldi says, and the state risks entering a blood emergency where medical facilities might not be able to provide care. Donated blood is used for cancer and organ transplant patients as well as victims of accidents and burns.

“There’s no substitute for this life saving product, so it’s instrumental that we have that blood on the shelf for patients in need,” she says.

Participating breweries this year include Bravo Brewing Company in Pascoag, Grey Sail Brewing in Westerly, the Guild in Pawtucket, LineSider Brewing Company in East Greenwich, Narragansett Brewery in Providence, Proclamation Ale Company in Warwick, Taproot Brewing Company in Middletown and Whaler’s Brewing Company in South Kingstown.

In addition, Proclamation Ale Company will host a blood drive at the brewery on Friday, Aug. 4, from 3 to 8 p.m. Donors at the blood drive will also receive a voucher for a free pint to be used on a different day from the donation. Iggy’s will be on hand serving up chowder, clam cakes and doughboys.

“[Proclamation has] become a very big supporter for us. They have a personal connection. The original owner passed away from cancer, now his wife has taken over leading the charge. It’s a cause very close to their heart,” Grimaldi says.

“As a business, and just as humans, we feel it is our duty to help bring awareness to certain causes that are important to us while helping people in need,” says Proclamation Ale Company President Lori Witham. “We have loved partnering with the Rhode Island Blood Center for the last few years to raise awareness about the blood shortages in the state and encourage people to donate blood.”

You won’t be able to use your voucher on the day of your donation, as the RIBC recommends avoiding alcohol immediately after your donation and hydrating with fluids (and not the hoppy kind) for forty-eight hours after donating. And while it should go without saying, the promotion is only for donors twenty-one-plus.

“Pint for a Pint” runs through Sunday, Sept. 10. To make an appointment for the Proc blood drive, visit donate.ribc.org, and use sponsor code 5100. Or donate at one of six donor centers around the state.

RELATED ARTICLES

On Tap: The Latest Brewery and Distillery News In Rhode Island

Say Cheers to These 11 Rhode Island Beer Gardens

Meet the Founders Behind Rhode Island’s LGBTQ+ Brewery Meetup Club