American Red Cross Encourages Blood Donations to Head Off Impacts of Winter
The American Red Cross (redcross.org) is encouraging healthy individuals to consider donating blood this month to head off the shortages that tend to occur in winter months when busy holiday schedules and winter weather can negatively impact blood donations. Make appointments to donate by using the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling (800) RED CROSS (800) 733-2767, or enabling the Blood Donor skill on any Alexa Echo device.
Blood products are perishable, and the only source of lifesaving blood for patients is volunteer blood donors. Every day, volunteer blood and platelet donors are needed in Nebraska to help save lives. Blood can be safely donated every 56 days, and eligible donors can feel good knowing that by donating through the Red Cross, they may be helping patients not only in our community, but others across the nation. A blood donation takes about an hour, from start to finish, but the actual donation itself only takes about 8-10 minutes.
Each day, the American Red Cross is active in the community, serving those in need. Visit redcross.org or call (800) RED-CROSS to support Red Cross efforts by volunteering, donating financially, or giving blood.