Red Cross Asking for Blood Donations This Holiday Season

With the holiday season here, the American Red Cross says the need for blood is also here.

American Red Cross Spokesperson Tiffany Taylor said during the winter months and especially around the holidays, blood donations tend to decline.

“In the wintertime, we typically tend to have fewer donations made due to the time of year, because of holiday plans, travel, winter weather, as well as seasonal illnesses like the flu,” said Taylor.

Also, the Red Cross said there tend to be fewer blood drives at this time of the year, contributing to a drop in donations.

However, the Red Cross said the demand for blood does not go away.

Taylor said all blood types are needed right now.

However, she did say there are some blood types that are in particular demand.

Those include O negative, B negative, and A negative, along with platelet donors and those with type AB blood.

Taylor went on to say that giving blood is something a lot of people are eligible to do.

“Individuals who are at least 17 years of age, weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health are eligible to donate blood,” said Taylor, who added those 16 years of age can donate with parental consent in most states.

To make an appointment to donate blood to the American Red Cross, download the free Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org, or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).