Red Cross Puts Out Call for More Winter Blood Donations

Winter storms and the flu don’t just mean a lot of people are missing work and school – it also means they can’t keep their American Red Cross blood and platelet donation appointments.

That’s why the Red Cross is again urging healthy donors of all blood types to roll up a sleeve to help maintain the blood supply for patients in need.

So far in 2018, severe winter weather has forced about 600 blood drives to cancel, resulting in more than 17,500 uncollected blood and platelet donations.

And, widespread flu across the U.S. has resulted in lower turnout at blood drives.

Blood and platelet donations are needed in the coming days to help replenish the blood supply and ensure patients continue to receive lifesaving treatments.

Spokesperson Kristin Stancil says people with O Negative blood are especially encouraged to donate.

Donors can help even more patients when they invite a loved one, friend or co-worker to give with them.

In our area, the Blood Mobile will be at Glad Tidings Assembly of God Church on Collier Rd on February 22 from 2p to 7p.

Or you can make an appointment at either the Gainesville Blood Donation Center on Jesse Jewell Parkway or the Athens Blood Donation Center, on Atlanta Highway.

You can also download the free Red Cross Blood Donor App, go online to redcrossblood.org, or call toll-free 1-800-RED CROSS.