The American Red Cross urges people to share their good health this holiday season by donating blood or platelets for patients in need.
A decline in donations occurs from Thanksgiving to New Year’s Day when donors are busy with holiday activities and travel. However, medical treatments and emergencies that require blood don’t stop for the holidays. The Red Cross is thanking those who carve out time to give Nov. 21-24 with a long-sleeved T-shirt, while supplies last.
By giving blood or platelets, donors may give patients more time — and more holidays — with loved ones. Make an appointment to donate blood or platelets by downloading the free American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
Another way to help keep the blood supply strong this winter is to host a Red Cross blood drive in December, January or February. To learn more about hosting a blood drive and to sign up, visit RedCrossBlood.org/HostADrive.
Upcoming blood donation opportunities Nov. 16-30:
• Ridgway, from 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Nov. 16, Ridgway Central Hose Co., 30 N. Broad St.
• Bradford, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 27, University of Pittsburgh at Bradford, 300 Campus Drive
• Lewis Run, from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Nov. 20, Keystone Powdered Metal Company, 8 Hanley Drive
• Ulysses, from 2 to 7 p.m. Nov. 16, Tri Town Fire and Ambulance, 836 Route 49
