The American Red Cross sees a significant decline in blood donations between Thanksgiving and Christmas due to holiday activities.
FREDERICK, Md. (DG) If you’re looking to give a meaningful gift this holiday season, consider giving the gift of life by rolling up your sleeve and donating blood.
Around this time every year, the American Red Cross sees a significant decline in blood donations between Thanksgiving and Christmas due to holiday activities.
Beverly Stambaugh, with the American Red Cross, says they are hoping to stock the shelves before the holiday season gets busy.
“Every two seconds, someone in the Unites States needs blood, and yet 95% of us will need it in our lifetime, and less than 5% actually donate,” Stambaugh said.
She added it only takes an hour to donate and the Red Cross makes the process even easier by completing their Rapid Pass questionnaire online at redcrossblood.org.
According to Stambaugh, the most needed type is O negative. To give blood, you must be at least 17 years old, weigh at least 110 pounds, and be in good health.
Local Blood Donation Centers:
-Frederick 11/17/17 7:45 a.m. – 2:45 p.m., 141 Thomas Johnson Dr., Suite 120
.
-Monrovia 11/24/17 9:00 a.m. – 1 p.m., Bush Creek Church of the Brethren, 4821 A Green Valley Rd
.
-Mount Airy 11/18/17 8 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Mt. Airy Bible Church, 16700 Old Frederick Rd.
-Dianah Gibson