The Red Cross says giving blood right now is extremely important as a result of canceled drives and appointments due to the winter weather conditions across the country during the past two weeks.
You have two chances to help the Red Cross this week. There is a blood drive Monday from ten to two at the Centralia Elk’s Lodge at 235 North Locust in Centralia. A drive is set at Franklin Park Middle School in Salem for two to six Thursday afternoon.
The Red Cross notes even during severe weather thousands of patients rely on lifesaving blood donations that can’t wait.
Donors have the ability to create a legacy of their own simply by rolling up a sleeve to give blood, platelets, or plasma to help patients in need.
COVID-19 survivors are especially needed to address a convalescent plasma shortage. These individuals may have antibodies in their plasma that could help patients currently battling the virus.
Blood donation appointments can be made 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.
