January Blood Drives

As the final holiday rush arrives, the American Red Cross asks donors to shake up their holiday plans and give blood or platelets now and throughout the end of the year.

According to AAA, nearly 113 million people are expected to travel at least 50 miles from home between Dec. 23 and Jan. 2, meaning many who may have otherwise given blood will likely defer their donation until the new year. Unfortunately, trauma patients in the emergency room, those undergoing cancer treatment and new parents in need of lifesaving transfusions can’t take a holiday break. The need for blood and platelets is constant. It’s important for donors − especially type O blood donors and platelet donors − to give now to ensure hospitals have the blood they need into the new year. Schedule an appointment by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Upcoming Blood Drives

• Jan. 17 from 2 - 7 p.m., United Methodist Church, 26 North Main St., Rushville

• Jan. 18 from 12:30 - 6 p.m., Himrod Fire Department, 3530 Himrod Road, Himrod

• Jan. 18 from 1 - 6 p.m., Benton Fire Department, 932 Rte. 14A, Penn Yan

• Jan. 18 from 2 - 7 p.m., Prattsburgh Central School, 1 Academy St., Prattsburgh

• Jan. 19 from 1:30 - 6:30 p.m., Branchport Fire Department, 3686 Rte. 54A, Branchport How to donate blood

Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enable the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

Blood and platelet donors can save time at their next donation by using RapidPass to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, before arriving at the blood drive. To get started, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/ RapidPass or use the Blood Donor App.

January Blood Drives

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