Winter slump leads Red Cross to call for blood donations
Officials say winter weather, illness and the post-holiday slump are impacting donations.
MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – As winter sets in, the American Red Cross says it is facing a critical blood shortage, urging donors to give during National Blood Donor Month in January.
Around this time of the winter season, the American Red Cross has a hard time getting blood donations. January is National Blood Donor Month, and the American Red Cross says it is teetering on a blood shortage due to a post-holiday slump, winter weather, and seasonal illnesses.
Regional Communications Manager Suzanne Lawler says seasonal changes affect the Red Cross blood supply. Lawler says right now they are in need of type O, A and B negative blood.
“Right now there’s pressure on the blood supply, and doctors may have to make difficult decisions, and we want to ensure that doesn’t happen,” she said. “And a way we can do that is helping people keep their appointments right here and make sure that that blood is on the shelves.”
She says they often hear from people who donate for a loved one, a sick child or simply to help others. Lawler says people need blood for many reasons.
“Out there on I-75, one traffic accident, someone could need 100 units of blood for a trauma situation,” she said. “And that’s 100 people walking through the door and giving of themselves. It’s one of the kindest things you can do for people you’ll never meet.”
Blood donor Judy Ray has donated more than 90 times. She says she started donating in the 1980s after her employer allowed her time off to give blood.
“As I’ve grown older, I just appreciate being able to help others,” she said. “One reason is because I’m very healthy at my age. I’ve never had a serious illness or accident, so, to me, it’s a privilege to help other people.”
Ray says giving back is something she believes everyone is called to do.
“That’s just what we’re commanded to do by the Bible,” she said. “We’re to help others. I’m retired, and I have a lot of extra time, and this is something I like to do. You can’t feel any better than to know you helped somebody in a tragic situation.”
For football fans, Lawler says donors who give between now and January 25 will be entered for a chance to win Super Bowl-related prizes, including tickets, a $1,000 gift card and a three-night hotel stay thanks to a partnership with the National Football League.
