As the nation gathers again for celebrations this season, the American Red Cross, which provides 40% of the country’s blood, is facing historically low blood supply levels.
The Red Cross says busy holiday schedules, breaks from school and winter weather all contribute to a drop in blood and platelet donations this time of year. Those factors, combined with the ongoing challenges of COVID-19, make it vital for donors to make an appointment to give as soon as possible.
John Brimley, regional communications manager with the Red Cross, says the current blood levels are lower than they have been in over 10 years.
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Brimley says if more donors don’t come forward to give blood, some patients may potentially face delays in care.
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Upcoming blood drives include:
- Tuesday at the West Plains Civic Center from 12-5
- Wednesday at Alley-White American Legion Post #52 in Mountain Home from 10-3
- Jan. 7 at Methvin Sanitation in Harrison from 10-3
- Jan. 11 at First Baptist Church in Flippin from 10-3:30
- Jan. 13 at Valley Springs High School from 10-3
- Jan. 19 at First Christian Church in Gainesville from noon-5
- Jan. 20 at Christian Church of Mountain Home from 12-5
- Jan. 21 at Baxter Regional Medical Center from 9-2
- Jan. 25 at Yellville First United Methodist Church from 12:30-5:30
- Jan. 28 at the Norfork Fire Department from 9-2
Donors can find a blood drive and sign up at redcrossblood.org. To encourage donors to help address the historically low blood supply this holiday season, all who come to give Dec. 17-Jan. 2 will receive an exclusive Red Cross long-sleeved T-shirt, while supplies last.
Those who come to give blood, platelets or plasma in January will automatically be entered for a chance to win a getaway to Super Bowl LVI in Los Angeles. As an extra thank you from the Red Cross, those who come to donate in January will also be automatically entered to win a home theater package and a $500 e-gift card.
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