Help the American Red Cross keep the blood supply stong

ZANESVILLE, Ohio – National Preparedness Month is coming to an end and the American Red Cross is asking for your help to stay prepared.

According to Don Hawkins, the regional communications manager for the American Red Cross, part of being prepared is by having a strong blood supply. That’s why the Red Cross is offering a special gift to those who make a blood donation.

“So everyone who comes out to give right now is going to get a $15 e-gift card via e-mail after their donation,” Hawkins said. “It’s a really simple process. You’ll get that e-mail, you’ll claim it after you get done donating blood. And it’s simple, easy, you get to spend that money however you need it. ”

Hawkins says that the blood supply has recovered from the dangerously low levels we saw earlier in the year but says that they need to keep donations moving to avoid future shortfalls.

“Here in our region, we have to collect about 500 units of blood per day to keep that supply strong. And we’ve got blood drives around Zanesville, Columbus, Dayton, Cincinnati, anywhere and everywhere in between. And those are going to help hit us, help us hit that 500 number and luckily we’re in a good spot right now,” Hawkins said. “But if we if we don’t keep sounding the alarm and keep asking folks to come out and give, we could find ourselves in another shortage. And we really want to avoid that, especially as we get into fall, get into the holidays and get into a time where we do see a drop in donations later in the year. ”

You can find a blood drive near you and set up an appointment by visiting the American Red Cross’ website or by downloading their Blood Donor app.