Macon, Georgia (November 17, 2023) — The community is invited to be the lifeline patients need this winter by donating blood at the annual 41NBC Thanksgiving Week Blood Drive November 22 through 24 at various locations. As we head into the holidays, the American Red Cross continues to recover from a significant shortfall in blood and platelet donations throughout late summer and fall and is working around the clock to ensure patients have access to lifesaving care.
This time of year is traditionally hard on the nation’s blood supply. Seasonal illness, winter weather, and the upcoming holidays often lead to lower appointment numbers and decreased donor turnout, making it hard to keep up with the demand for blood products.
All blood types, especially type O – the most needed blood group by hospitals -- are necessary this holiday season to help patients in need of blood transfusions.
To date, 41NBC has helped the Red Cross collect a total of more than 1,800 pints of blood. From November 22 through 24, the 41NBC Thanksgiving Week Blood Drive looks to collect 72 units of blood to help patients and the nation’s blood supply this season. In thanks, all who come to give blood, platelets, or AB Elite plasma Nov. 10-30, 2023, will receive an exclusive pair of Elf and Red Cross socks, while supplies last! To make an appointment, donors are asked to visit redcrossblood.org and use code 41NBC.
Help save lives at one of the following drives:
How to donate blood:
To make an appointment or to learn more, 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. Completion of a RapidPass® online health history questionnaire is encouraged to help speed up the donation process. To get started, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Blood Donor App. 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.
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.