As holiday celebrations continue into December, the American Red Cross encourages donors to keep the blood supply top of mind by giving blood or platelets this month. Type O negative blood donors and those giving platelets are especially urged to give now to help ensure patients can continue to receive the care they need in the coming weeks.
Record-breaking November travel is expected to carry into the new year, which could cause some potential donors to put off blood donation until after the holiday season. In addition to millions of Americans traveling to spend holidays with loved ones, extended vacations are also surging in popularity at a time when fewer people may be available to give lifesaving blood products.
Bring joy to someone facing a medical emergency; give something that means something with a blood or platelet donation. Schedule an appointment this December by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
For a limited time, those who come to give Dec. 9-15, 2024, will receive a $15 e-gift card to a merchant of choice. Those who come to give Dec. 16, 2024-Jan. 3, 2025, will receive an exclusive Red Cross long-sleeved T-shirt, while supplies last. For details on both offers, visit RedCrossBlood.org/Gifts.
Upcoming blood donation opportunities through January 3, 2025
- 12/12/2024: 12 p.m. - 5 p.m., Statesboro Worship, 380 Westside Rd
- 12/20/2024: 12 p.m. - 5 p.m., Southbridge Community Church, 12376 U S Highway 301 South
- 12/23/2024: 11 a.m. - 4 p.m., Eastern Heights Baptist Church, 23805 Highway 80 East
- 12/31/2024: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., Jones Love Cultural Center at Luetta Moore Park, 585 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive
- 1/3/2025: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., East Georgia Regional Medical Center, 1499 Fair Road
- 1/3/2025: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., Bulloch Solutions, 841 Buckhead Drive
Metter
- 12/26/2024: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., Metter Community Center, 435 N. Rountree Street
Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enable the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients.
A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.
Blood and platelet donors can save time at their next donation by using RapidPass® to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, before arriving at the blood drive. To get started, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Blood Donor App.