NICK GOSNELL
Hutch Post
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Tiffany Davison with the American Red Cross said during the season when illness is more likely, the need for additional blood donors is even greater.
"Right now, we're starting to see that seasonal flu," Davison said. "Obviously, there is some RSV around and we are seeing a little bit of a drop in donors able to donate. During the holidays, that fun can often push blood donation to the bottom of your to do list as well, so between the sickness and just a busy time of year, it is often hard for us."
You can give blood several times a year.
"A donor of whole blood can donate every 56 days," Davison said. "Those who donate power reds can donate every 112 days. Sometimes they can get off schedule during this time of the year. We do have several opportunities coming up throughout December here in the Reno County area for donors to donate."
There is also a blood drive continuing Tuesday and Wednesday at the First Presbyterian Church this week. If you give blood, you can follow your unit to where it is used on the Red Cross Blood Donor App.
"You can also make your appointment that way," Davison said. "You can also have your blood type right there. It also holds your donor card, so it's easy to check in at registration. You can have it scanned right there. You can also do your Rapid Pass through that blood donor app. The Rapid Pass is something that we recommend donors do day of drive and it can save them about 10 or 15 minutes at the blood drive at health history. It's kind of that pre-reading information that it saves them time doing."
If you want to give, call 1-800-RED-CROSS or go to https://www.redcrossblood.org/. Donors between now and Dec. 15 get $10 in Amazon value by email after donating.
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