Red Cross appeals to holiday donors as blood supply dips

Dec. 22, 2021  |  By Waterbury Roundabout 

Blood donors during the holidays will receive a special long-sleeved t-shirt from the American Red Cross. Courtesy photo

The American Red Cross has issued a call for blood and platelet donors during the holiday stretch as the nation’s and region’s blood supply is at historically low levels and continues to decline.

“If more donors don’t come out to give, hospitals may be forced to delay care to patients relying on blood transfusion. It’s almost unimaginable,” said Mary Brant, spokeswoman for the regional American Red Cross office. 

The American Red Cross supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood. This time of year often sees a decline in donations. Schedule an appointment by using the Red Cross

Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). 

Those who donate through Jan. 2 will receive a Red Cross long-sleeved T-shirt while supplies last. Donors in January will automatically be entered for a chance to win a getaway to Super Bowl LVI in Los Angeles and will also be automatically entered to win a home theater package and a $500 e-gift card. More details online at RedCrossBlood.org/SuperBowl.