Red Cross accepting blood donations

The Red Cross looks to help people in many different ways, but blood donations are a big part of its mission.

Unfortunately, during the holiday season, the Red Cross sees a decline in the amount of donations it receives. So, Marlene Henderson, who is the Executive Director of the Muskingum Valley Chapter, is asking for your help.

"We definitely encourage everyone to come out whenever," Henderson said. "You can donate every 56 days and give a unit of blood and help save three lives."

Henderson said it only takes about an hour to donate blood, so it doesn’t disrupt your daily schedule too much. Donated blood has a shelf life of about a week, and the Muskingum Vallley Chapter goes through about 800 units each month.

"It’s extremely important, there is nothing that can be manufactured that replaces human blood," Henderson said. "And one unit of blood can save three lives, so when you think about things like that, that’s amazing."

The Red Cross will accept any blood type. Henderson said "if it’s red, we’ll take it." She adds that if you want to help the Red Cross but don’t want to donate blood, there are plenty of other ways you can help. Monetary and time donations are always welcomed. For a list of blood drives nearby you can visit www.redcross.org.