The American Red Cross has slated a series of blood drives for locations across McKean, Potter and Cattaraugus counties.
Organizers said the Red Cross usually realizes a decline in blood donations from Thanksgiving to New Year’s Day when donors are busy with family gatherings and travel. As a thank you for donating around the Thanksgiving holiday, all those who come to donate between Nov. 24-28 will be invited to download a set of recipes from celebrity chefs.
In McKean County, blood drives will be held from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 25 at the Port Allegany Alliance Church at 414 E. Mill St. in Port Allegany; in Potter County from 12:30 to 5:30 p.m. Nov. 17 at the Coudersport Consistory at 111 E. 2nd St. in Coudersport, and 3 to 8 p.m. Nov. 18 at the Tri-Town Fire and Ambulance at 836 Route 49 in Ulysses. Finally, drives are scheduled in Cattaraugus County at the following locations: 10 to 3 p.m. Nov. 26 at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church at 109 South Barry St. in Olean, and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 28 at Jamestown Community College at 260 N. Union St., in Olean; noon to 6 p.m. Nov. 29-30 at St. Bonaventure University Shay Lo Dorm in Allegany; and noon to 5 p.m. Nov. 29 at Lionel R. John Health Center at 987 RC Hoag Drive in Salamanca.
To make an appointment to give blood, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit the website redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). Donors are encouraged to make appointments and complete the RapidPass online health history questionnaire at redcrossblood.org/rapidpass to save time when donating.
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.
