OMAHA, Neb. (Dec. 19, 2016) — As freezing temperatures and harsh weather grip much of the nation, the American Red Cross urges eligible donors to make an appointment to give blood or platelets to help meet the constant need for blood this winter. Millions of people are expected to take to the roads, rail and air to celebrate the season, which can cause fewer donors to be available and lead to a decline in blood and platelet donations.

In addition, severe winter weather and seasonal illnesses can temporarily prevent some from giving. Donors with all blood types are needed now to help patients. As a special thank you for taking the time to donate, those who come out to give Dec. 22 through Jan. 8 will receive a long-sleeved Red Cross T-shirt, while supplies last.

Nick Gehrig, communications director, Red Cross Blood Services, says “Many of us celebrate this time of year with loved ones, but patients may spend the holidays and ring in the new year from a hospital room. Blood and platelet donors can bring joy to patients and their families by giving blood or platelets to help ensure patients receive the lifesaving treatments they need.”

Here are some upcoming blood donation opportunities:

Adair County:  Orient – 1/11/2017: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., Orient-Macksburg High School, 201 School Street.
Audubon County:  Audubon – 12/28/2016: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., St. Patrick’s Parish Center, 2050 Hwy 71 N
Cass County:  Atlantic – 12/22/2016: 8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., Cass County Memorial Hospital, 1501 E. 10th Street; 1/12/2017: 12 p.m. – 6 p.m., Atlantic YMCA, 1100 Maple Street. Griswold– 1/10/2017: 8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., Griswold High School, 20 Madison.
Pottawattamie County:  Avoca – 12/27/2016: 11:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m., American Legion, 309 1/2 Elm; Carson – 1/3/2017: 11:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m., Carson Community Center, 316 South Commercial St.
Shelby County:  Elk Horn – 1/10/2017: 11:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m., Elk Horn Lutheran Church, 4313 Main Street.

How to donate blood

Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) 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 donors can now 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, prior to arriving at the blood drive. To get started and learn more, visit redcrossblood.org/RapidPass and follow the instructions on the site.