With a shortage in the nation’s and local area’s blood supply, the American Red Cross is offering incentives to those who give blood.
The Red Cross stated that the blood supply has dipped to dangerously low levels and could force hospitals to hold off on essential blood transfusions for patients.
The decline comes at a time when donations typically fall, the holiday season, when there is often lower donor turnout, according to a spokesman.
Potential donors are urged to schedule an appointment by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
All who come to give through Jan. 2 will receive an exclusive Red Cross long-sleeved T-shirt, while supplies last.
Also, those who come to give blood, platelets or plasma in January will automatically be entered for a chance to win a getaway to Super Bowl LVI in Los Angeles. As an extra thank-you from the Red Cross, those who come to donate in January will also be automatically entered to win a home theater package and a $500 e-gift card. Terms apply; visit RedCrossBlood.org/SuperBowl for more information.
To donate blood, individuals need to bring a blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification that 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 must meet certain height and weight requirements.
The next Red Cross blood drive in Wyandotte County is scheduled in a week and will be from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 29, at Cabelas, 10300 Cabela Drive, Kansas City, Kansas.
To find other dates and times for Red Cross blood drives in other nearby counties, visit www.redcrossblood.org.