CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Officials with the American Red Cross want you to give blood this holiday season.
“We know the holidays can be hectic, but it takes a little more than an hour of your time (to donate blood) and it could help up to three patients,” said Marianne Spampinato, communications manager for the American Red Cross.
Spampinato said, every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood, no matter the season.
“There are a whole lot of reasons why people need blood,” she said. “Especially this time of year, with more people on the road, we want to be prepared for traumas that may take place.”
On average, the Red Cross must collect 15,000 pints of blood every day to meet the needs of patients at approximately 2,700 hospitals and transfusion centers across the country.
In recent weeks, Spampinato said they’ve seen a decline in donations across West Virginia which she attributed to a combination of packed schedules, winter weather and illnesses like the flu since people who are sick cannot donate.
Between Dec. 24 and Jan. 3, those who donate blood at an American Red Cross drive will receive a two ounce brick of coffee and a coupon redeemable for one free pound of coffee from Dunkin’ Donuts while supplies last.
To find a blood drive, you can go online to www.redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED-CROSS, 1-800-733-2767.