Matt Manasse teams with Red Cross on blood drive push

Professional pickleball player and broadcaster Matt Manasse is partnering with the American Red Cross on a national campaign to encourage blood donations as demand stays constant and supplies can tighten in the fall and holidays. Manasse says the effort is personal, citing two aunts undergoing cancer treatment, and is asking pickleball fans and other eligible Americans to make appointments.

Why it matters: - Someone in the United States needs blood or platelets every two seconds. - The American Red Cross supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood. - Donated blood and platelets support patients facing cancer, traumatic injuries, sickle cell disease, organ transplants, heart surgery and other serious medical conditions. - There is no substitute for human blood, which makes volunteer donors essential to the health care system. - The campaign is timed for fall and the holiday season, when blood supplies can face extra pressure.

What happened: - Professional pickleball player, television personality and coach Matt Manasse teamed with the American Red Cross for a national blood donation campaign. - The awareness push launched today and will continue through the rest of the year. - Manasse is encouraging the pickleball community and Americans nationwide to give blood, platelets or plasma. - Manasse recently donated blood to highlight the effort.

The details: - Manasse is known as the “Pickleball Coach to the Stars.” - Manasse has coached Katie Couric, Drew Brees, Jamie Foxx and Andre Agassi. - Manasse is a former professional tennis player and a professional pickleball competitor. - Manasse works as a broadcaster and expert for Tennis Channel and Pickleball TV. - Manasse said two of his aunts are undergoing cancer treatment, which shaped his decision to join the campaign. - Manasse said blood access after chemotherapy can be important to recovery. - The Red Cross is directing eligible donors to make appointments through the donation page. - Manasse also asks fans to view the donation as a small time commitment with the potential for lifesaving impact.

Between the lines: - The partnership uses Manasse’s profile in a fast-growing sport to reach donors who may not respond to a traditional public health message. - The campaign leans on a simple message: community support on the court can translate into community support in hospitals. - Manasse’s personal family connection gives the drive a more immediate emotional frame. - The push also reflects a broader need for a steady donor base, since blood demand does not pause for seasonal changes.

What's next: - Manasse and the Red Cross want eligible donors to keep making appointments throughout fall and the holiday season. - The campaign will continue to point donors to the donation page for blood, platelet or plasma appointments. - The effort may also keep the Red Cross in front of pickleball fans as the sport expands its mainstream audience.

The bottom line: - Manasse is turning pickleball visibility into a blood donor recruitment drive, with the Red Cross hoping that a wider audience will translate into more appointments and a steadier supply.