Critical need for blood and platelet donations now
WASHINGTON, D.C. – December 14, 2016 — Most of the country is facing dangerously cold temperatures this week, along with a winter storm from the Plains to the Northeast this weekend. The American Red Cross wants everyone to be safe and has steps they can take during this week’s record-breaking cold weather.
The frigid temperatures and snow are adding to the difficulty of collecting enough blood and platelets around the holidays and the Red Cross urges people who are eligible to give now.
“About 100 million people are facing this bitter cold weather across the country, and we want them to remain safe.” said Brad Kieserman, vice president, Disaster Services Operations and Logistics for the Red Cross. “Some places could see their coldest December temperatures in a few years and people need to prepare now. We are monitoring the situation and will respond if necessary.”
Follow these steps to remain safe during extreme cold and snow:
At home:
On the road:
Out in the cold:
EMERGENCY APP People should download the free Red Cross Emergency App for instant access to safety tips for winter weather and power outages. The app also contains weather alerts, life-saving information and ways to contact family and friends in one free, easy-to-use app for mobile devices. The app can be found in the app store for someone’s mobile device by searching for “American Red Cross” or by going to redcross.org/apps.
BLOOD, PLATELET DONATIONS NEEDED Bitter cold weather and snow storms on top of the busy holiday season can all impact the availability of donors to roll up a sleeve for patients who need it. The Red Cross has a critical need for blood and platelet donations now and throughout the holidays. Eligible blood and platelet donors not in the path of this winter weather are urged to make an appointment as soon as possible by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting redcrossblood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). To encourage donations, all presenting donors December 22, 2016, through January 8, 2017, will get a long-sleeved Red Cross T-shirt, while supplies last.
About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.