American Red Cross Urges Fall Blood Donations
ZANESVILLE, OH – As the leaves change for fall, why not change lives too?
The American Red Cross is asking people to mark the new season with a blood or platelets donation. Every donation helps keep the nation’s blood supply strong, and right now, donors of all types, especially O positive and B negative, are needed.
“The need for blood is constant. We do see different times of the year where it’s harder to collect blood. Summer is usually one of those times. We did finish the summer strong, but we’re trying to keep that momentum up through the fall to make sure that we don’t find ourselves in a situation where there’s a shortage or the hospitals don’t have what they need to make sure the people are getting the treatments that they’re coming in to receive.” Don Hawkins, the Regional Communications Manager for the Red Cross Central and Southern Ohio Region, said.
From accident victims to cancer patients, to those living with sickle cell disease, every pint makes a critical difference. As a thank you, anyone who gives blood now through October 19th will receive a $10 Amazon gift card by email within 48 hours of donating.
“When you come in to donate, you can expect to be greeted by a lovely volunteer that’s going to help you get checked in. The best staff in the country handles these procedures. You can also expect to be there for about an hour. The donation time itself is not an hour, but you check in, make your donation, spend a couple minutes recovering, and get a snack. You’ll be in and out within an hour. and you’ll leave knowing that you’ve done something good.” Hawkins said.
Upcoming blood donation opportunities in your area can be found on the American Red Cross website.
