Blood Donations Needed

ZANESVILLE, Ohio – Did you know that turkey is rich in iron?

Iron helps produce more blood cells which Matthew Riddle, Executive Director of Red Cross Southeast Ohio, said is great for donating blood. Red Cross is currently experiencing a blood shortage and they are asking for the communities help.

“So every two seconds people need blood in the United States and one donor, which is about one pint of blood, can save up to three lives. We take the whole blood, the red blood, plasma and platelets. That can help save people’s lives,” Riddle said.

The Red Cross typically sees a decrease in blood donations from around Thanksgiving time to the end of December due to people being busy or traveling. Riddle said people still need blood during this time.

“I lived it. My dad in 2015 he was diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer and he was at the Cleveland Clinic where all of the blood is from the Red Cross and he received platelets, he received red blood cells throughout his treatment. So if it’s not you personally, it’s probably somebody in your family or directly that is going to need blood at some point,” Riddle said.

There will be 50 blood drives throughout Southeast Ohio during the month of December. To find out more information about donating blood you can head to their website, type in your zip code and it will tell you when and where they will be set up.

If you donate blood or platelets from November 21st to November 24th, you can receive a free Red Cross T-Shirt or from November 25th to December 19th, you can receive a $5 Amazon Gift Card.

Organizations and companies also have the opportunity to host a blood drive. If you are interested in finding out more information just head to their website.