During this traditional season of giving, the American Red Cross is asking healthy individuals to consider donating blood or platelets this holiday season.
Ronnika McFall is Spokesperson with the organization. She says several factors contribute to the need.
“So the American Red Cross is urging donors of all blood types to be the lifeline for patients by donating blood, platelets, or convalescent plasma. Donations often decline this time of year as people’s calendars fill with holiday activities. Winter weather and seasonal illness also affect donations, and, of course, you know we are undergoing a current pandemic with COVID-19.”
According to the organization, between Thanksgiving and Christmas, more than 1 million blood transfusions will be given in the United States.
“I want to add that medical conditions and emergencies that require blood don’t stop for the holidays or even a pandemic. Every two seconds someone in the US needs blood, and the only way we can get blood is from volunteer donors, so if this is your first time donating or you haven't donated in a while, eligible individuals are urged to make an appointment to give now.”
The find a donation site near you or to schedule an appointment, visit RedCrossblood.org, use the Blood Donor App or call 1-800-Red-Cross, that’s 1-800-733-2767.
The Red Cross is testing for COVID-19 antibodies.
