Rising Demand for Blood Donations This Holiday Season

ZANESVILLE, OH – As the holiday season approaches, the need for blood donations rise.

It’s common for blood drive donations to plummet during the holiday season. This decrease can be a result of travel, inclement weather, seasonal illnesses, and low blood donor turnout. The Red Cross would like to remind those who can donate to do so. The American Red Cross supplies almost 40% of the nation’s blood supply.

“We’re one of the largest suppliers of blood in the nation. The shelf life of blood is 42 days, so the constant need is there, it’s always constant. We always need donors,” said Brian Williams, American Red Cross Account Manager. “If it’s been a while since you’ve donated, please come back out. If you’re brand new, we’d love to see you. We always love to see brand new blood donors no matter what your age is and for those who are regular donors, please, you know what we need and just continue with what you’ve been doing.”

The collection goal for the upcoming blood drive at Coburn United Methodist Church is about 24 units. Pastor Mark Raaker would like to encourage those who can support to swing by, donate, or just volunteer their time.

“This is our second blood drive, and we’re excited to be a part of the community and a part of the process to just offer that service to our community and help out to save a life and the many different circumstances that blood is required whether it be a surgery or an accident or a transfusion of some sort,” Raaker said.

The blood drive will take place in the Wilson Center gym on Monday, November 25th from 9a.m. to 3p.m. There is an incentive for those who choose to donate. For more information, please visit the Red Cross website and be sure to stay on the lookout for the next blood drive on February 12th.