The Red Cross is Low on Blood Donations This Holiday Season

ZANESVILLE, OH–The Red Cross is seeing a low number of blood donations as the holidays draw near.

Don Hawkins, the Regional Communications Manager for the American Red Cross Central and Southern Ohio Region, says it’s due to the hustle and bustle that comes this time of year.

 “A lot of folks are traveling and it’s a really busy time of year,” Hawkins said. “We are not a priority for a lot of people right now and we understand that. We’re hoping anyone can make time in their day for an appointment, keep that appointment and donate some blood this holiday season.”

Hawkins said it’s important to consider donating because of the amount of accidents that occur around the holidays.

“We always see record travel during the holiday season,” Hawkins said. “It is the busiest time for travel during the year and when a lot of people are traveling, accidents become more prevalent. Having blood on the shelves when accidents happen is how we are able to make sure the folks that are in bad accidents are able to be treated immediately.” 

If you are interested in donating blood, you can head to redcrossblood.org to schedule an appointment.