(Syracuse, NY – Dec. 2014) This holiday season, the American Red Cross encourages individuals to give something that means something – a blood or platelet donation. This simple, potentially lifesaving act can give patients in need another holiday season with family and friends.
“The need for blood is constant during the winter months, but donations can slow – especially around the holidays,” said Kay E. Schwartz, CEO of the Red Cross New York-Penn Blood Services Region. “Long holiday weekends, like Thanksgiving, pose an extra challenge when many donors are traveling to be with family and friends. Therefore, we encourage people to make an appointment to donate blood and help ensure a sufficient supply for patients in need.”
Donors of all blood types, particularly O negative, A negative and B negative, and platelet donors are urged to schedule an appointment.
Eligible donors can learn more and schedule an appointment to give blood using the Blood Donor App, by visiting redcrossblood.org or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).