Give blood: Dwindling supply of critical reserves can be replenished through your generosity

The American Red Cross has a desperate need for blood and platelet donations to prevent a shortage this winter.

Busy holiday schedules in November and December contributed to about 1,700 fewer blood drives held across the country, officials say, compared to the two previous months, which resulted in about 50,000 fewer donations and the reduced supply of blood.

But donation appointments can be quickly and easily scheduled by using the Red Cross Blood Donor app, visiting redcrossblood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

A decline in the blood supply after the winter holidays is not uncommon, Red Cross leaders say, but it can easily be replenished if generous volunteers come forward and roll up their sleeves.

January is National Blood Donor Month. The month was set aside for this purpose because of the annual shortage of blood reserves this time of year and a need to remind the public of that need.

The next blood drive in Wayne County will be on Jan. 21 at 6:30 p.m. at Eureka United Methodist Church. Go and give. You just might be saving someone's life.

Published in Editorials on January 12, 2016 12:25 PM