To prevent this, the American Red Cross is launching preemptive blood drives to get blood now.
During cold and flu season, blood drive numbers have historically decreased. People get busier getting with family, buying presents – and getting sick more often.
This means that there are less healthy blood and platelet donors, which could endanger blood supplies.
“An increase in sick people is a decrease in available donors for us,” Don Hawkins, the regional communications manager with the Red Cross Central & Southern Ohio Regions, said. “So that’s kind of an issue, especially whenever we’re looking at our hospitals that are in need of keeping their stockpile up as donors go down.”
That’s why the Red Cross is planning drives now so that people can plan ahead. They also have some added perks – prizes for donors.
Those who donate from Nov. 23-27 will get a Red Cross knit beanie while supplies last. Donors from Nov. 28 - Dec. 15 will receive a $10 Amazon gift card.
Hawkins continued, “It’s our way of thanking our donors for taking the time out of their day to help improve the lives of folks in their community and help ensure that we are able to get the lifesaving blood product out to the people that need it.”
The regional communications manager also said if you're feeling ill, it's better to reschedule than try and donate.
To learn more about what you need to do in order to donate, visit RedCrossBlood.org.
Upcoming blood donation opportunities from Nov. 16-30:
Clark County
Springfield
11/30/2022: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., The Ohio Masonic Home, 2655 W. National Road
Logan County
Russells Point
11/23/2022: 8 a.m. - 2 p.m., Indian Lake Community Church, 121 Orchard Island Rd
Montgomery County
Kettering
11/29/2022: 12:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m., American Legion Kettering-Post 598, 5700 Kentshire Dr.
