American Red Cross seeking blood donations before the holiday season

SOUTHEASTERN OHIO – The American Red Cross encourages eligible donors to give blood to help stock the shelves before the busy holiday season.

Many regular donors delay giving between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day because of holiday activities. This often causes a drop in donated blood available for patients. Therefore, more donations are needed in the weeks leading up to the holidays to help ensure the blood supply is sufficient through the winter months.

For blood donor Katie Osorio, giving a little bit of time is worth it because she’s giving someone a chance at life. “Someone’s mother, brother, sister, father or the love of someone’s life has been given back to their loved ones all because I gave something that I could. It takes so little from me and gives a world back to another.”

To make an appointment to give blood, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). Donors are encouraged to make appointments and complete the RapidPass online health history questionnaire at redcrossblood.org/rapidpass to save time when donating.

Upcoming donation opportunities in the region by date:

Wednesday, Oct. 26
River Valley High School
Bidwell
9 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Monday, Oct. 31
New Haven United Methodist Church
New Haven, WV
12:30 p.m. – 6 p.m.

Tuesday, Nov. 1
Rio Grande Elementary
Rio Grande
12:30 p.m. – 6 p.m.

Thursday, Nov. 3
Green Elementary School
12:30 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Gallia Academy
9 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Wednesday, Nov. 9
River of Life United Methodist Church
Gallipolis
12:30 p.m. – 6 p.m.

Tuesday, Nov. 22
Christ Community Wesleyan Church
Albany
1 p.m. – 7 p.m.

Monday, Dec. 5
Buckeye Hills Vocational School
Rio Grande
8:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Tuesday, Dec. 6
Wahama High School
Mason, WV
9 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Thursday, Dec. 15
Saint Peters Episcopal Church
Gallipolis
12:30 p.m. – 6 p.m.

Wednesday, Dec. 21
Holzer Medical Center
Gallipolis
11 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Wednesday, Dec. 28
Mulberry Community Center
Pomeroy
1 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.