During season of giving, Red Cross urges blood donation

By the American Red Cross

December may be the season of giving – but it’s typically a challenging time to collect enough blood donations. Add in a pandemic, and this year could be even tougher than usual. That’s why the American Red Cross is urging those who are feeling well to give the gift of life by donating blood or platelets this holiday season.

The need for blood doesn’t stop for holidays. Between Thanksgiving and Christmas, more than 1 million blood transfusions will be given in the United States. Donations of all blood types are needed to ensure hospital shelves remain stocked to meet patient blood needs.

Make your appointment to give blood, platelets or plasma with the Red Cross by downloading the Red Cross Blood donor app, visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enabling the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device.

To encourage donations this holiday season, those who come to donate blood, platelets or plasma with the Red Cross Dec. 18-Jan. 4, 2021, will receive a long-sleeved Red Cross T-shirt, while supplies last.

Important COVID-19 Information for Donors

As COVID-19 hospitalizations increase, hospital demand for convalescent plasma has also grown. COVID-19 convalescent plasma is a type of blood donation given by those who've recovered from this coronavirus. Their plasma contains antibodies that may help patients actively fighting the virus. Learn more about convalescent plasma and sign up to give at RedCrossBlood.org/Plasma4COVID.

The Red Cross is testing blood, platelet and plasma donations for COVID-19 antibodies. The test may indicate if the donor’s immune system has produced antibodies to this coronavirus, regardless of whether an individual developed COVID-19 symptoms. Red Cross antibody tests will be helpful to identify individuals who have COVID-19 antibodies and may now help current coronavirus patients in need of convalescent plasma transfusions. Convalescent plasma is a type of blood donation collected from COVID-19 survivors that have antibodies that may help patients who are actively fighting the virus.

COVID-19 antibody test results will be available within one to two weeks in the Red Cross Blood donor app or donor portal at RedCrossBlood.org. A positive antibody test result does not confirm infection or immunity. The Red Cross is not testing donors to diagnose illness, referred to as a diagnostic test.

To protect the health and safety of Red Cross staff and donors, it is important that individuals who do not feel well or believe they may be ill with COVID-19 postpone donation.

Each Red Cross blood drive and donation center follows the highest standards of safety and infection control, and additional precautions – including temperature checks, social distancing and face coverings for donors and staff – have been implemented to help protect the health of all those in attendance. Donors are asked to schedule an appointment prior to arriving at the drive and are required to wear a face covering or mask while at the drive, in alignment with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention public guidance.

Upcoming blood donation opportunities:

Erie County

•Amherst

√ Boulevard Mall, 730 Alberta Drive, from noon to 6 p.m. Dec. 16, 23, 30; 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. Dec. 19, 24; and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 28

√ Harlem Road Community Center, 4255 Harlem Road, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 28

√ St. Leo the Great Roman Catholic Church, 885 Sweet Home Road, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 31

•Buffalo

√ American Red Cross WNY Chapter, 786 Delaware Ave., 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 16 and 31

√ Cazenovia Neighborhood Library, 155 Cazenovia St., noon to 5 p.m. Dec. 28

•Clarence

√ Clarence Public Library, 3 Town Place, 2-6 p.m. Dec. 29

•Depew

√ Centerpointe Community Church, 56 Burlington Ave., 1-6 p.m. Dec. 29

•Kenmore

√ Ellwood Fire Department, 1000 Englewood Ave., 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. Dec. 18

√ St. Andrew's Church Kenmore – Donovan Center, 1525 Sheridan Drive, noon to 5 p.m. Dec. 28

•Lancaster

√ Lancaster Elks Lodge, 33 Legion Parkway, 1-6 p.m. Dec. 29

•West Seneca

√ Erie 1 BOCES, 355 Harlem Road, 1-5 p.m. Dec. 16

√ Union Fire Co., 1845 Union Road, 1-6 p.m. Dec. 22

•Williamsville

√ Williamsville Youth & Family Center, 1615 Amherst Manor Drive, 1-6 p.m. Dec. 30

√ Williamsville United Methodist Church, 5681 Main St., 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Jan. 2

Niagara County

•Lewiston

√ First Presbyterian Church, 505 Cayuga St., 1:30-6:30 p.m. Dec. 23

•Lockport

√ The Dale Association Inc., 33 Ontario St., 1-6 p.m. Dec. 22

•Middleport

√ Middleport Fire Hall, 28 Main St., 1-6 p.m. Dec. 21

•Newfane

√ Newfane Town Hall Community Center, 2737 Main St., 1-6 p.m. Dec. 21

•Niagara Falls

√ Grace Lutheran Church, 736 Cayuga Drive, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 26

√ Niagara Riverside Resort, Niagara Riverside Resort, 7001 Buffalo Ave., 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 30

•North Tonawanda

√ Nash Road Free Methodist Church, 958 Nash Road, 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Dec. 23

•Sanborn

√ Lewiston Fire Co. No. 2, 1705 Saunders Settlement Road, 1-6 p.m. Dec. 28

•Youngstown

√ Youngstown Fire Hall, 625 Third St., 1:30-6:30 p.m. Dec. 22.

About Blood Donation

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 predonation 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.

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% 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, visit redcross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit on Twitter at @RedCross.