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Red Cross looking for "winter heroes" to host blood drives

The American Red Cross
The American Red Cross is seeking some “winter heroes” to host blood drives.";s:

The American Red Cross faces a severe blood shortage after a significant shortfall in fall donations. And the holidays historically bring a further decline in donations.

 

The American Red Cross says it needs blood and platelet donors and volunteer blood drive hosts urgently to avoid delays in medical treatments now and throughout the winter.

Red Cross communications manager Alana Mauger says during September and October, the Red Cross collected over 21,000 fewer blood and platelet donations than hospitals needed.

“What we’ve noticed is that the number of blood drives that are being hosted, the number of blood drive sponsors that we’ve had over the years have kind of dwindled, as sponsors come and go. And so what we’re really looking for is for people and organizations and places of business and communities to consider hosting a blood drive this winter,” Mauger said.

Mauger notes that donors of all blood types are welcome but type O is especially helpful.

She adds that about 310 more blood drive hosts are needed this winter in the First State.

 

“So to be a blood drive sponsor, we need to have….you need to provide the location. And that’s really the key; is we need the space. We do have some blood mobiles available for places that don’t have the space. But we’re really looking for those blood drives that have a nice space; that are climate controlled,” said Mauger.

Mauger says blood drive hosts only need to provide a space. The Red Cross handles the rest, though hosts are asked to help sign up donors.

 

More information about hosting a blood drive can be found here.

 

Kelli Steele has over 30 years of experience covering news in Delaware, Baltimore, Winchester, Virginia, Phoenix, Arizona and San Diego, California.