Blood drives scheduled in Orleans during challenging time of the year for Red Cross
The start of the new year is one of the most challenging times to collect blood products, as the threat of severe winter weather builds and can often lead to widespread blood drive cancellations, said Meg Rossman, spokesperson for Red Cross of WNY.
Additionally, an active cold and flu season may prevent people from keeping their donation appointments as they rest and recover from illness.
During National Blood Donor Month, the Red Cross celebrates those who generously roll up a sleeve to help save lives and urges those who are feeling well to make and keep donation appointments.
In Orleans County blood donor dates are Jan. 17 from 1 to 6 p.m. at Lyndonville Presbyterian Church, 107 North Main St.; Jan. 20 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Orleans County YMCA, 306 Pearl St., Medina; and Jan. 21 from 12:30 to 7 p.m. at Albion Elks Lodge, 428 West State St.
In an attempt to ensure a strong blood supply during cold winter months, the American Red Cross is again promoting the donation of blood by offering free tickets to the Super Bowl.
This is the sixth year the Red Cross and National Football League have partnered in January for National Blood Donor Month by inviting football fans and blood donors to join their lifesaving team and score big for patients in need, Rossman said.
Type O negative blood donors and those giving platelets are especially urged to give now to keep critical blood products on the shelves for patients in need.
As a special thank you to donors for helping to address the need for blood during this critical post-holiday time, those who donate blood through Jan. 26 will be automatically entered for a chance to win an exciting Super Bowl LIX giveaway.
The trip includes access to day-of, in-stadium pre-game activities, tickets to the official Super Bowl experience, round-trip air fare, three nights hotel accommodations (Feb. 7-10) and a $1,000 gift card for expenses. For complete details, visit www.RedCrossBlood.org/SuperBowl.
To book a time to donate, visit the Red Cross website, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App or call 1-800-RED-CROSS.
