The American Red Cross is hoping to stave off a blood shortage this holiday season. Red Cross Spokesperson Ronnika McFall says this time of year is particularly challenging to collect enough blood donations.
“The American Red Cross is urging donors of all blood types to be the lifeline for patients by donating blood, platelets, or convalescent plasma this holiday season.” McFall said. “Donations often decline this time of year as people’s calendars fill with holiday activities, also winter weather and seasonal illness also affect donations; and of course we know about the current pandemic of COVID-19.”
According to the Red Cross, between Thanksgiving and Christmas, more than 1 million blood donations will be given in the United States.
“Every day the Red Cross must collect 13,000 blood donations and here in Georgia we must collect a little over 580 blood donations. So it’s very important that if you are able to give, please do so. You can donate comfortable every 56 days.”
The organization is holding a large blood drive in Athens Wednesday at the Classic Center.
“At the Athens Community Blood Drive, Wednesday, December 23rd from 10 am until 4 pm.”
For more information, or to make an appointment to donate, visit Red CrossBlood.org, call 1-800- Red Cross, or 1-800-733-2767, or use the free Red Cross Blood Donor App. The Red Cross is also testing donations for COVID-19 antibodies.
