ERIE —The American Red Cross is urging healthy donors of all blood types to band together to give blood and help ensure a stable blood supply for patients this holiday season.
In McKean County, drives are set in Bradford on Nov. 17, from 1 to 5:30 p.m., at the Church of the Nazarene at 55 N. Bennett St.; and on Nov. 21 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Smethport Fire Hall, 109 S. Nelson St.
In Potter County, a drive will be held Nov. 19 from 12:30 to 5:30 p.m. at the Coudersport Consistory, and on Nov. 20 rom 2 to 7 p.m. at Tri Town Fire and Ambulance, 836 State Route 49, Ulysses.
The traditional slump in blood donations between Thanksgiving and New Year’s comes as the blood supply already faces challenges created by the coronavirus pandemic. Required medical treatments and emergencies don’t pause for the holidays or a widespread coronavirus outbreak.
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.
In thanks for making time to donate around Thanksgiving, those who come to give blood Nov. 25-28 will receive an exclusive Red Cross long-sleeved T-shirt, courtesy of Suburban Propane, while supplies last
