Blood services urges people to donate over the holidays

“Donating blood before or after the holidays helps ensure patients will have the blood they need, when they need it. You will be giving them a gift that can’t be bought, and one that will make their holiday season truly unforgettable”.

“The American Red Cross is hosting a blood drive in honor of a Virginia girl who is loved by many and is battling a disease that requires her to receive blood products”, Red Cross spokeswoman Kristen Hatfield said.

As millions of Americans finish gift purchases this holiday season, the American Red Cross reminds eligible donors to give the most meaningful gift of all – the gift of life – by donating blood or platelets. Red Cross needs supplies of blood especially during holidays, when the rate of accidents increases.

As 2015 draws to a close, I would simply like to extend a heartfelt thank you to each and every person who has given something to support the Red Cross this year.

So people with O blood type but also those with A, B and AB negative should consider donating most than ever.

The 10th Annual New Year’s Resolution Blood Drive begins Thursday, Dec. 31 and will be held at the Oakdale Mall in Johnson City.

O’Loughlin donates blood every month or even two times a month ever since 1992.

There are also select community blood drives in the area. “My favorite part is to deliver blood products to a hospital or location and be able to bring a smile to people’s faces”.

NHS is a Partner For Life with Canadian Blood Services, which provides our team with an opportunity to show our commitment to caring for others and saving lives by donating blood.

Donation appointments can also be made by downloading the Red Cross blood donor app, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). Donors must be at least 17 years old (or 16 years old with parental consent), weight a minimum of 110 pounds, and must present a valid picture ID.

Blood donors can use RapidPass to complete their pre-donation readings and health history questionnaires online, on the day of their donation, before arriving at the blood drive.