Red Cross asks donors to boost blood supply going into winter
Nov. 11, 2022 | By Waterbury Roundabout 
The Red Cross has an urgent need for all blood types. Photo courtesy American Red Cross
The American Red Cross is looking ahead to the winter season and asking donors to step up to help keep the blood supply steady as we head into flu season.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention predicts a serious spread of flu this year and is already reporting an early spike in cases in several states.
“When seasonal illnesses increase, the number of healthy blood donors tends to decrease. We need people to give now to help ensure blood is available when patients need it,” said Jennifer Costa, spokeswoman for the American Red Cross Northern New England Region.
The Red Cross says that donors − especially those with type O blood and those giving platelets − can help bolster the blood supply now by making an appointment to give in the coming weeks. .
To thank donors, anyone who donates blood through Nov. 22 will receive a $10 e-gift card by email to a merchant of choice. Those who donate over the Thanksgiving holiday, Nov. 23-27, will receive a Red Cross beanie while supplies last.
Donors who give between Nov. 28 and Dec. 15 will receive a $10 Amazon.com gift card.
There is no waiting period to donate blood or platelets after receiving a flu shot. Schedule an appointment by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). Learn more about flu safety and prevention at redcross.org/flusafety.
Below is a list of upcoming blood drives. A full list of donation opportunities across the region is online at redcrossblood.org.
Nov. 18: 11:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Christ Episcopal Church, 64 State St., Montpelier
Nov. 19: 8:30 a.m. - 1 p.m., Waterbury Municipal Building, 28 North Main Street, Waterbury
Nov. 22: 11:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., Ivy Computer, 2933 Waterbury Stowe Road, Waterbury
Nov. 23: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., Barre Auditorium-off cycle, 16 Auditorium Hill, Barre
Nov. 25: 9 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., Central Vermont Medical Center, 130 Fisher Road, Berlin
Nov. 30: 11:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m., Capitol Plaza Hotel and Conference Center, 100 State Street, Montpelier