MACON, GA, December 18, 2023 — As the holiday season continues, the Red Cross encourages eligible donors to give something that means something − a blood or platelet donation. While preparing to enjoy the holidays, include time to donate blood and help save lives at the 13WMAZ Holiday Blood Drive from December 27-29 at various locations. To date, the station has helped the Red Cross collect more than 4,438 pints.
The U.S. is on pace to see a record number of people traveling over the 2023 holiday season. When travel and celebrations pick up, the blood supply could face a sharp drop if fewer people come out to donate. For this reason, the Red Cross is asking you to give back to patients in need.
“We are incredibly grateful to WMAZ for their partnership and support of our mission,” said Alicia Doherty, Regional Chief Executive Officer for the American Red Cross of Georgia. “Their commitment to hosting blood drives helps to ensure everyone has access to safe, lifesaving blood. When generous blood donors roll up their sleeves to donate, they help change a life.”
It’s important to remember that red blood cells must be transfused within 42 days of donation and platelets within just five days. So, they must constantly be replenished. Every 2 seconds someone needs lifesaving blood, and the Red Cross depends on the help of donors and blood drive hosts to ensure blood products are readily available for patients during the busy summer months.
13WMAZ has hosted blood drives with the American Red Cross of Georgia starting back in January 2004. The goal for the 2023 Holiday Blood Drive is 62 pints.
Those who come to give Dec. 18-Jan. 5 will receive an exclusive Red Cross long-sleeved T-shirt, while supplies last. Also, thanks to Prime Video and their new film Candy Cane Lane, featuring an all-star cast, including Eddie Murphy and Tracee Ellis Ross, and directed by Reginald Hudlin, those who come to give blood, platelets, or AB Elite plasma Dec. 1-31, 2023, will automatically be entered for a chance to win a $1,000 Amazon.com Gift Card and a 65-inch Omni QLED Series Amazon Fire TV. Details available at RedCrossBlood.org/Amazon
Help save lives at one of the following blood drives:
How to donate blood:
Simply download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org sponsor code: WMAZ, 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 were 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.
About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.